Wigan Athletic have been linked with a move for Exeter City defender Luca Woodhouse, with reports of bids submitted ahead of the transfer deadline. The 23-year-old's absence from Exeter's squad on Saturday has intensified speculation about a potential switch to the League One side, who are currently 24th in the table with zero points from two games.
The Latics have made a couple of offers for the defender. The transfer window closes on Tuesday at 11pm, adding urgency to the situation. Woodhouse, signed by current Wigan manager Gary Caldwell from Wycombe Wanderers last summer, did not travel with Exeter for their League Two fixture at York City. It was his first absence of the season.
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor addressed the situation after his side's 2-1 defeat. "Two players haven't travelled with the potential of something to happen elsewhere," Taylor told BBC Radio Devon. He confirmed that striker Jayden Wareham, who is being pursued by Wycombe Wanderers, was the other absentee. Taylor stressed that no deal had been finalised. "That wasn't our decision. It was the players' decision in relation to not travelling," he said.
The manager outlined the club's stance, noting the players are under contract and any buying club must meet Exeter's valuation. He also stated the club would need to find replacements if departures occur. This public commentary from Taylor directly links the non-travel decision to active transfer discussions involving Wigan Athletic and others.
Luca Woodhouse is a 23-year-old defender who would add depth to a Wigan Athletic squad seeking to improve a defensive record of five goals conceded in two matches. Manager Gary Caldwell, who originally signed the player for Exeter, is reportedly keen to bring him to the DW Stadium. Wigan's current league position, sitting bottom with a goal difference of minus three, underscores a clear need for reinforcement. The team is already six points behind early leaders Bradford City.
Integrating a new defender would be a priority for Caldwell as he looks to solidify his backline. Fans can view the full squad details on our squad page. Any new signing would need to adapt quickly, with a home match against 9th-placed Stockport County scheduled for September 5th, a game listed on our fixtures page.
The immediate focus is on Tuesday night's 11pm deadline. Exeter City hold the cards, as Matt Taylor made clear they will only sell if their valuation is met. For Wigan Athletic, securing defensive reinforcements could provide a vital boost as they aim to climb the standings. The club's early-season form, marked by two losses, adds pressure to get this potential deal over the line. Further activity is expected across the division, but Wigan's interest in Woodhouse appears to be a specific and active pursuit.
The outcome will shape Wigan's options for the coming weeks. A successful move would give Caldwell a familiar player to work with as he tries to turn around the team's fortunes starting with the Stockport County match next weekend.
