Controversial ex-Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson tries to buy League One rivals Wigan

It is reported Gibson's group also involves ex-Latics chairman Darren Royle, with the long-running takeover saga at Wigan taking another fresh twist.

Gibson – a former Manchester United, Everton and Ireland midfielder – played for Wigan in the 2017/18 campaign and it is understood he is part of a fresh bid to take control at the DW Stadium.

Wigan Today report: “Gibson, 33, is still currently playing at League Two outfit Salford, which may potentially provide something of a conflict of interest further down the line.

“But the bid - as first reported by the Athletic - is being taken seriously, and is challenging the Bahrain-based businessmen who had looked to be the latest frontrunners.”

Wigan are 23rd in League One following their relegation from the Championship.

Gibson was considered a flop on Wearside by supporters.

Gibson was signed for the Black Cats by his former Everton boss David Moyes in 2017, but was released a year later in the club’s ill-fated Championship campaign.

He then spent just a season with Wigan before being released alongside ex-Sunderland teammates Callum McManaman and James Vaughan.

During his time on Wearside, midfielder Gibson was handed a 40-month drink-drive ban.

He was banned in May 2018 after crashing his Mercedes 4x4 into parked cars while three times the limit.

The smash, in Dovedale Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, happened on March 17 of the same year – St Patrick’s Day.

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