Hutchings: Robinson keen on Latics

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings believes Paul Robinson is “keen to come on board” and join the Latics from West Brom.

Hutchings last night revealed the Barclays Premier League club have turned down an offer from Everton for Leighton Baines but Robinson appears to be a ready-made replacement at left-back if they do decide to sell.

Hutchings told the Manchester Evening News: “Robinson is a very good player, he’s a tenacious full-back with plenty of experience.

“He has also shown a hunger for this club and is keen to come on board.

“Left-back is the only position we have not had cover for. We’ve been playing Kevin Kilbane there as a stop gap.”

It is understood Robinson had a medical at Wigan yesterday and the fee would be about £1.5million.

Meanwhile Everton have joined the chase for Baines, who turned down Sunderland after they had a £6million offer accepted earlier this month.

However Hutchings insists the club’s former player of the year is still wanted at the JJB Stadium.

“We turned down a bid from Everton of £4million and a player, who they rate at around £2million,” he told Radio Five Live.

“I have a very good relationship with Leighton and we’d like him to stay but we can’t stop speculation or other clubs making offers.”

But the former Bradford boss also confirmed that if the England Under-21 international was to leave, the Latics would be looking for a similar fee to the one agreed with the Black Cats.

“It wouldn’t be very good business if we took less than that, so we’ll be looking for that,” he said.