Latics up the ante for Lanzoni

ATHLETIC have raised their original contract offer in a bid to tempt Matteo Lanzoni to stay at Boundary Park, but the chances of the defender signing remain very much in the balance.

Rival clubs, including one from the Championship, are interested in taking on the 25-year-old, and that could mean Athletic’s offer is beaten financially.

Another player who could depart the club soon is Paul Rachubka.

The second-choice goalkeeper has been offered an extension to his stay, which runs out before the Liverpool FA Cup-tie, but it remains to be seen whether he takes up the opportunity or seeks first-team action elsewehere.

And defender Ellis Plummer’s loan spell from Manchester City expires after the game against the Shrews.