Whelan wrote in his column for the Manchester Evening News: “England new boy David Nugent could have been a Wigan Athletic player for just £100,000!
“He was offered to us a few years ago and we were in the driving seat to buy.
“We obviously had a look but nothing materialised.
“Well, we all make mistakes from time to time and it’s just one of those things that happens.
“But, good luck to the lad, he’s not a bad player, and I’m sure he’ll do well if he gets his chance with England.
“It’s very pleasing to see a lad like Nugent called up. It’s great for him, it’s good for his club, Preston North End, and he’s certainly having a terrific season.”
