WIGAN ATHLETIC have rejected Tottenham Hotspur's latest offer of é3.5m, plus two players, for unsettled French World Cup squad member Pascal Chimbonda.

Latics' boss Paul Jewell has told Spurs chairman Daniel Levy he will accept nothing less than é6m for the transfer-listed Chimbonda, who resumed pre-season training with Wigan yesterday.

Spurs have offered former England midfielder Danny Murphy and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid, who is also interesting Sunderland.

Chimbonda was brought to Wigan's Christopher Park training ground by his agent Willie McKay who had talks with Jewel and Wigan's senior management to discuss the player's future.

There has been talk of a new deal for Chimbonda but the Wigan boss is still angry at the way Chimbonda conducted himself after a final game of last season when he handed in a transfer request.

Chimbonda further angered Jewell yesterday by arriving 15 minutes late.

Offer

Jewell said: "Pascal has come back and his agent was in my office when I spoke with Spurs and told them we wanted the full é6m for Chimbonda.

"Spurs offered a couple of players. We couldn't reach a deal and if we don't get the full amount then the player stays where he is.

"We still think it's a very fair valuation and don't forget many clubs were not keen to take a chance on him this time last year. We did for the World Cup - Wigan was clearly good for him."

Chimbonda trained yesterday alongside the club's fitness coach Joey Gallanagh who assessed his fitness levels on his return.

Chimbonda was said to be disappointed at the "cool reception" he received from his teammates. He is understood to be keen on a move to London.

Meanwhile, Henri Camara, who is also represented by Willie McKay, is in line for a contract extension.

Wigan are in action at Barnsley tonight but winger Gary Teale is out following a close-season ankle operation.

Keeper Mike Pollitt is strongly linked with a move to Sunderland.

Wigan have also completed the é1.5m signing of Crystal Palace defender Emmerson Boyce and he could play at Southport.

What is your verdict on the Chimbonda saga? Have your say.

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