Wigan dismiss £3m Chimbonda bid

Wigan have “firmly rejected” a £3m bid from Tottenham for want-away defender Pascal Chimbonda.

Chimbonda handed in a transfer request within minutes of Wigan’s 4-2 defeat Arsenal on the final day of the Barclays Premiership season last Sunday.

The move infuriated Wigan chairman, Dave Whelan and manager Paul Jewell, with the duo making clear Chimbonda could leave the JJB Stadium, but for nothing less than £6m.

Long-time admirers Tottenham have now tested Wigan’s resolve regarding the 27-year-old French right-back, who was snapped up for a bargain £500,000 from Bastia last summer.

Chimbonda became a hero to the Wigan fans with a string of outstanding performances, earning him recognition when he was honoured by the Professional Footballers’ Association at their recent awards evening.

But it would appear Jewell and Whelan are determined to stand by their guns as the Latics boss said: “Their bid has been firmly rejected.

“The bid is not enough for a player who was named in the PFA team of the season.”

Manchester United are also understood to be interested in signing Chimbonda - however they and Spurs now know Wigan will be no pushovers around the negotiating table.