Wigan sign midfielder Whitehead

Wigan Athletic have signed midfielder Danny Whitehead from National League side Macclesfield Town.

The 22-year-old becomes Gary Caldwell’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe from Torquay United on Wednesday.

Whitehead joins for an undisclosed fee and, like Lavercombe, has been immediately loaned back to his National League club for the remainder of the season.

The Manchester-born central midfielder began his career with Stockport County, before moving to West Ham where he would make one appearance after being recommended by then-manager Dietmar Hamann. A spell with Accrington Stanley last season followed until he joined the Silkmen in the summer.

Latics manager Caldwell told the club’s website: “He’s one we have watched at length and identified as having the potential to play at a higher level.

“Every club is on the lookout for fresh talent and it is a case of acting fast and looking to the future with these signings.

“Now that everything is over the line, like Dan, he will combine his training here and with playing for his former club, as he gains more first team experience and we also get to know him,” Caldwell said.

Whitehead has impressed this season for the non-league club with his combative displays, scoring 4 goals and making 2 assists in 24 appearances.