Ball hopes to land Wigan deal as Sunderland step up Figueroa chase

Free agent: Ball Michael Ball, 30, is training with Wigan in the hope of sealing a permanent contract. The former Manchester City and Everton left back is a free agent after leaving City in the summer. He is due to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the weekend and hopes to impress manager Roberto Martinez who is keen to bolster his defensive options, with Sunderland ready to make a renewed £5m bid for left back Maynor Figueroa who is out with a knee injury. Ball has already rejected a chance to train with Notts County.  Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa facing lengthy lay off with knee injurySunderland boss Bruce to raid former club Wigan again for £5m FigueroaEngland call-up proves Sunderland striker Bent was no Twit to quit SpursSUNDERLAND AFC