Sunderland's League One rivals subject of takeover interest from one of Britain's richest families

The Sun claim that Wigan Athletic, who remain under the control of administrators after a tumultuous summer, are being eyed by Jonathan Rowland.

A city banker, Rowland is the son of David – who features on the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated worth of around £600million.

Rowland is understood to be providing the cash for Ray Ranson and former Wigan chairman Darren Royle’s bid to take control of the club.

But the trio are having to play a waiting game with a Spanish bid still currently the front-runner – and is backed by the administrators.

However, Rowland, Ranson and Royle have reportedly held talks with the administrators and supporters groups as they eye a late deal.

Meanwhile, Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has slammed his substitutes after his side fell to defeat against local rivals Swindon Town on Saturday.

The U’s were leading 1-0 before a late collapse saw John Sheridan’s side take the three points – with Robinson hitting out at his reinforcements for failing to make a positive impact.

"The substitutions made no impact,” said Robinson.

"I think we went backwards.

"I can’t protect my players today.

"You make changes to make your team better and I think ours made our team worse.

"The goal at the end is just disgusting."

“We put on Dan Agyei who played wonderfully well on Tuesday, Mark Sykes who everyone tells me is a very good player with loads of energy and they let people run past them.

"We put Mide on and I don’t see what he’s given us.

"Maybe I’m being a bit individual in my criticism and there were some aspects of our game where we were very rugged. I don’t understand why we played 20 or 30 yards deeper.

"When they go with the big guy up front the only way you can defend that is by keeping your line high. They’ve got nothing to lose in the last 15 minutes.”

Defeat leaves Oxford sat 19th in League One – despite being tipped for a promotion push prior to the season starting.

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