Wigan are still waiting to learn whether Birmingham will grant them permission to speak to manager Steve Bruce.
The Latics hope to get a positive response from City, although Bruce has now gone on a short holiday in Dubai and is not expected back until early next week. In addition Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is currently in Barbados.
Wigan turned to Bruce as the man to succeed Chris Hutchings after Paul Jewell rejected the chance to return to manage the club he left in May, despite admitting Whelan made him a "fabulous" offer to come back to the JJB Stadium.
Bruce is understood to be willing to listen to what Wigan have to say should permission be granted to speak to him.
Prospective new owner Carson Yeung has blocked a new contract for the former Manchester United defender, leaving Bruce's future at St Andrews uncertain.
Hong Kong businessman Yeung has been given until December 20 by the current co-owner David Sullivan to buy Birmingham.
But the Birmingham Mail claim Yeung, who bought a 29.9% stake in the club in July, wants to extend that deadline. It is understood Yeung and his associates are struggling to raise the appropriate funds.
Bruce is currently on around £15,000 a week but would triple his salary by moving to the JJB Stadium on a four-year contract.
He has become increasingly frustrated at events at St Andrews and has no idea what transfer budget he will receive in January - even if Yeung does manage to finance a takeover.
Agreeing compensation with Wigan is unlikely to be a major stumbling block if
they allow Bruce, who has 19 months left of his contract, to speak to the Latics.
Bruce has been in charge of Birmingham for six years and admitted to regaining his enthusiasm through the new young squad he assembled in the summer despite spending only £7million.
But the contract knock-back by Yeung and the uncertainty over the future of the club is forcing Bruce to consider seeking a new challenge.
Birmingham winger Gary McSheffrey has called for the club to end the uncertainty over Bruce's future.
"These are the things as a footballer you expect. You can never be surprised in this game," said the 25-year-old.
"There is some uncertainty over the future and we want it resolved as soon as possible."
Wigan turned to Bruce as the man to succeed Chris Hutchings after Paul Jewell rejected the chance to return to manage the club he left in May, despite admitting Whelan made him a "fabulous" offer to come back to the JJB Stadium.
Bruce is understood to be willing to listen to what Wigan have to say should permission be granted to speak to him.
Prospective new owner Carson Yeung has blocked a new contract for the former Manchester United defender, leaving Bruce's future at St Andrews uncertain.
Hong Kong businessman Yeung has been given until December 20 by the current co-owner David Sullivan to buy Birmingham.
But the Birmingham Mail claim Yeung, who bought a 29.9% stake in the club in July, wants to extend that deadline. It is understood Yeung and his associates are struggling to raise the appropriate funds.
Bruce is currently on around £15,000 a week but would triple his salary by moving to the JJB Stadium on a four-year contract.
He has become increasingly frustrated at events at St Andrews and has no idea what transfer budget he will receive in January - even if Yeung does manage to finance a takeover.
Agreeing compensation with Wigan is unlikely to be a major stumbling block if
they allow Bruce, who has 19 months left of his contract, to speak to the Latics.
Bruce has been in charge of Birmingham for six years and admitted to regaining his enthusiasm through the new young squad he assembled in the summer despite spending only £7million.
But the contract knock-back by Yeung and the uncertainty over the future of the club is forcing Bruce to consider seeking a new challenge.
Birmingham winger Gary McSheffrey has called for the club to end the uncertainty over Bruce's future.
"These are the things as a footballer you expect. You can never be surprised in this game," said the 25-year-old.
"There is some uncertainty over the future and we want it resolved as soon as possible."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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