Martinez plays down De Ridder move

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez says there is still work to be done before Daniel de Ridder completes a loan move to Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

The 25-year-old midfielder indicated he is on his way to Israel as the chance of Europa League football was too good to turn down.

He has struggled to gain a place in Martinez’s side following his move from Birmingham in 2008.

Martinez said: “He is very close to agreeing a loan deal. He has been frustrated after working hard in training and needs a bit of competitive football.

“Sometimes a player needs a fresh challenge. The deal has to be right, however, for the club and for Danny as well. Sometimes that takes a little bit more time. We will see how things develop.”

De Ridder told Sportweek: “Hapoel Tel Aviv are in second place behind Maccabi Haifa and still involved in the Europa League.

“They finished first from a group with big teams likes Hamburg, Celtic and Rapid Vienna. Now they play Rubin Kazan and have a chance to make further progress.”