Barrow, who nurtured Nugent's career as a youngster when he came through the ranks at Bury, now believes the England Under-21 striker will end up at Everton - the club he has always supported.
The ex-Shakers' boss says Wigan must regret missing out on Nugent three years ago, when they could have signed him for just £100,000.
Barrow told MEN Sport: "David could have been a Wigan player for this amount but nothing came of it and signing for Preston turned out to be a very good move for him.
"David has a lot of potential but he possibly now needs to be in the Premiership and playing regularly. I guess Everton would be the ideal choice for him because they are the club he has always supported.
"I see that Sunderland are also said to be very keen and who knows what may come of this.
Dedication
"David has a great attitude and tremendous dedication. He's a lad with a genuine love for the game and he will always score goals.
"I know him well, I've a lot of time for him and believe me the transfer fee or the money he would receive from being at the highest level will not faze him.
"He just wants to play football and to score goals and I feel he is now ready for the challenge of the Premiership."
Wigan manager Chris Hutchings has not ruled out the possibility of re-signing Nathan Ellington.
But Wigan have other options. They've checked out David Healy, the former Manchester United player and Northern Ireland international who is now at Leeds. Spartak Moscow's Andrejs Rubins, who previously played at Crystal Palace, has also been looked at.
Hutchings, who will appoint an assistant this week, has installed Bill Green as European Scout to make sure Latics' are competitive in the overseas transfer market.
Hutchings will also find out today the results of a scan on a knock sustained by Leighton Baines while on international duty with England at the European Championships.
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