Scharner allowed to leave Wigan

The 29-year-old has hinted he is keen on a move away from Wigan after spending 3 1/2 years at the club.

Chairman Dave Whelan said: “Scharner may go. He is an unusual character to say the least.

“He even said if Steve Bruce tries to take him to Sunderland he wouldn’t go because it was a backwards step.

“But if he comes to me and asks to go, I’ll say ‘Yes’ — even though we don’t want him to go.”