Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is leading a group aiming to buy Wigan Athletic.

The Athletic reports Gibson has emerged as the leader of a surprise group seeking to buy the administration-hit League One strugglers.

The 33-year-old is still playing for Salford City in League Two but made his name at United between 2005-2012.

Gibson's consortium are reportedly the new favourites to take control after a potential takeover from a Spanish investor fell through late in the process last month.

A total of 38 groups or individuals interested in buying Wigan have so far approached the administrators Gerald Krasner and Paul Stanley, they revealed last week.

Four of those have even provided the proof of funds necessary to take the process to the next stage if given the green light.

Gibson, now at Salford City, is leading a group trying to take over at Wigan Athletic

One of those is the group fronted by Gibson, who himself played for Wigan during the 2018-19 season.