May 24 2006

Andy Johnson

ANDY JOHNSON has been given permission to talk to Wigan after they agreed a £8.5m fee for the striker.

JOHNSON will hold talks with Latics boss Paul Jewell after the England B game with Belarus on Thursday.

Eagles chairman Simon Jordan is happy with Wigan’s bid because they are prepared to pay the full amount up front and not in installments like Bolton and Everton.

"Wigan have offered £8.5m on the nose and that is why I have given him permission to talk to Dave Whelan and Paul Jewell," said Jordan.

"They have behaved impeccably. That is the bottom line - £8.5m or nothing. Bolton came close with £8m, Everton have offered £7.25m, but it's not enough. He will go to the highest bidder."