Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has confirmed he still hopes to sign West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas, despite having a "substantial" bid rejected.

The new Latics chief is thought to have had a £4million offer rejected for the 27 year old by the Baggies, but is set to increase his bid to see off competition from Birmingham, Fulham, Derby, Reading and Aston Villa.

Hutchings told The Sun's website: "We made a substantial bid for Jason Koumas which was rejected - but our efforts are still alive.

"He is a player I'm very interested in - he has a lot of good qualities. We still have a strong interest and the situation is ongoing."