Wigan Athletic have received a boost in their pursuit of St Mirren midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce, with news a fellow League One club have had a bid knocked back.
Leyton Orient are also in the hunt for the 24-year-old, but their initial bid of £175,000 has been knocked back by the Buddies. They’re holding out for a quarter of a million, which means Wigan is still in the race.
The Northern Ireland international is in demand this summer, after just one full season north of the border. The Belfast-born schemer came through the ranks at Glentoran but was quickly snapped up by then-Championship outfit Birmingham City.
He spent six years at St Andrews but struggled to make a significant impact. He appeared six times in the Championship in 2019/20, but amassed just nine appearances in total for the Blues, after being frozen out by Lee Bowyer.
That resulted in a move to Middlesbrough in January 2022, but after four appearances and a single goal on Teeside, his contract was terminated, and St Mirren swooped.
He’s certainly impressed during his time in the SPFL. Predominately playing a holding role, often on the left of a midfield pair, he’s turned in several eye-catching performances. He chipped in with five assists, and that form saw him called up to the Northern Ireland squad last month, getting 45 minutes against Spain.
Wigan will be looking to strengthen for a promotion bid this season. They should have been on the cusp of the playoffs last season, but their points deduction was a huge hindrance.
They’re looking for players to provide competition for places in the centre of the park, with Matt Smith and Baba Adeeko the regular first choice pairing.
Writer’s View
£250,000 is a lot of money, but there’s a feeling around League One this season is the one to flex any financial muscle. The new government will likely fast-track the independent regulator, and when they do, spending curbs could be implemented.
That’s why some clubs are splashing the cash, which is exactly what the Latics will have to do if they want Boyd-Munce. Will they do it? It’s likely, as St Mirren’s valuation isn’t too excessive – they got a similar amount 18 months ago for Ethan Erhahon from Lincoln, so they will be happy holding out.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
