Wigan are set to head into their Barclays Premier League clash against Southampton at St Mary's without star forward Victor Moses after the Latics accepted an improved bid from Chelsea.
Moses played well against Roberto di Matteo's men last weekend and the Londoners came back with their fifth offer - believed to be in the region of £9million - which the club have reluctantly accepted.
A statement from Wigan said: "The club can confirm that after four unsuccessful bids from Chelsea for Victor Moses, a fifth bid has finally met the valuation and terms set by Wigan Athletic and been accepted."
It added: "The player has been given permission to speak with Chelsea."
To make matters worse for Roberto Martinez's side, they will travel to face a Southampton side in buoyant mood ahead of their first home game back in the big-time after their narrow opening defeat at Manchester City.
Saints boss Nigel Adkins said: "Obviously scoring a couple of goals away from home has given the players a bit more belief.
"They have trained very hard this week. The lads that played had an MOT and recovery session and the lads that didn't had a training session and were bang at it. There has been a buzz about the training ground this week."
Source: PA
