Wigan's chairman Phil Whelan has admitted that he could well be forced to sell Emile Heskey in the January transfer window, as the forward is apparently ready to sit out the remainder of his contract for a Bosman free transfer in the summer.

There are a number of clubs reportedly interested in Heskey, but none have as yet made a firm offer.

It is understood that Tottenham and Everton are among some of Heskey's potential suitors.

Heskey could be allowed to leave in January for a fee of around £4 million, but no price has been confirmed yet.

Whelan admitted: "Emile is out of contract in the summer, but he doesn't want to sign a new one at the moment," said Whelan.

"It could cost us two, three or four million if that goes on to next summer, so we'll have to see what January brings."