Hamilton anticipate James McArthur transfer

McArthur has made nearly 200 appearances for Hamilton

By Clive Lindsay

James McArthur's long-expected transfer from Hamilton Accies could go ahead this week, with Wigan Athletic being favourites to sign the midfielder.

Accies manager Billy Reid left the 22-year-old out of his side for Saturday's 2-0 friendly win over Stirling Albion to avoid an injury hiccup.

And player agent Willie McKay confirmed that talks are ongoing.

"James has had a meeting with Wigan, he liked the set-up there and they are very keen," he told BBC Scotland.

McKay believes a transfer could be completed by the end of this week.

We have been here before and he is still with us Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid

But Reid is more cautious as an acceptable bid for McArthur has been anticipated since before the end of last season.

"I am getting a bit fed up being asked what's happening with James McArthur," he admitted.

"But things might be moving and, if I had played him against Stirling, he might have picked up an injury and I don't want to do something that might hold matters up.

"I know the chairman has been talking to a couple of clubs, but we have been here before and he is still with us."

Reid has long since resigned himself to losing McArthur for next season and says that the player who came through Accies' youth ranks has earned his move to a higher level.

Although Rangers have been linked with the former Scotland Under-21 international, Reid has long expected McArthur to head for English football.

There have been reports of interest from West Brom, Sheffield United and Sunderland, but Wigan are the one club to have publicly admitted they were considering a bid.

Indeed, the last of Hamilton's four friendlies this week is behind closed doors against the English Premier League side on Friday.

Should McArthur move to the DW Stadium, he would be re-united with former Hamilton team-mate James McCarthy.

McArthur's fellow midfielder moved to Wigan last summer for £1.2m and became a regular in England's top flight despite being just 19.