Ross McCormack, the Motherwell striker, is poised to sign a precontract agreement with Wigan Athletic within the next 48 hours against the wishes of his adviser, but with an escape clause should Wigan be relegated.

McCormack has long been monitored by Steve Bruce, and it appears certain the Wigan manager has beaten his Middlesbrough counterpart, Gareth Southgate, to McCormack’s signature. But the deal was criticised earlier this week by Mark McGhee, the Fir Park manager, who insisted McCormack “has higher to climb in the game than Wigan”.

Barry Hughes, who represents McCormack, said: “I read Mark McGhee’s comments and was surprised. Wigan are a Premier League club and we have insisted on a clause that would enable us to negotiate elsewhere in the event of Wigan being relegated. That does not sound like a bad deal, does it?

“I give personal business advice to my clients but ultimately the decision is theirs to make. I told Ross what the terms were from Wigan and Middlesbrough and left him to make up his own mind. My advice was actually to wait until the summer, when he could even have clubs knocking on his door, but Ross understandably wants security. What if he breaks his leg or does his cruciate ligament between now and the end of the season?”

Hughes has also defended himself following an accusation by McGhee that McCormack was being manipulated by his agent cashing in “on the first big offer he can get”. Hughes, millionaire owner of Braveheart Promotions, is not Fifa-registered, but uses a Fifa licensed agent to legitimately conclude deals. “At no time have I tried to sell a player for a quick buck,” Hughes said.

Eric Black, meanwhile, has declared himself “more than happy” as Wigan No 2 after rejecting the chance to again manage Coventry City.

Black and Wigan were approached on Wednesday by Coventry as they had hoped to lure him to the Ricoh Arena after the sacking of Iain Dowie earlier this week. But Black insists he is keen to remain as Bruce’s assistant as the duo look to keep the club in the Premier League. “I was aware of Coventry’s interest, but I’m more than happy with the job I’m doing with Steve,” Black said. (PA)