Wigan fail in swoop for Jagielka

Premiership newboys Wigan revealed that Sheffield United have turned down a four-million-pound bid for utility man Phil Jagielka, seen here in March 2005.

Premiership newboys Wigan revealed that Sheffield United have turned down a four-million-pound bid for utility man Phil Jagielka.

Jagielka can play in defence or midfield and is seen as crucial in Sheffield United's attempts to escape the Championship this season and reach the top flight.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell has struggled to spend his transfer budget this summer, missing out on Scott Parker when the midfielder opted to join Newcastle, and he is eager to add to his squad before the club's maiden Premiership season.

Jewell is upset by reports indicating it was Jagielka's decision to snub Wigan, telling club website www.wiganlatics.co.uk that it was his club who dismissed the bid.

"It's simply not true to say the player (Jagielka) has turned us down or doesn't want to play for us," said Jewell.

"The player hasn't been given an opportunity to turn us down, as the deal never got that far.

"We enquired about Jagielka and Sheffield United told us they wanted four million pounds. We then bid four million and they rejected the offer. They then told us they wanted five million

"That is a far as the situation has gone and we have not had the chance to speak to the player or his agent and no offer has been made to Phil Jagielka from Wigan Athletic."