Ross McCormack is poised to sign a pre-contract agreement with Wigan within the next 48 hours against the wishes of his adviser, but with an escape clause should the Latics be relegated.

McCormack has long been monitored by Steve Bruce, and it appears certain the Wigan boss has beaten Middlesbrough counterpart Gareth Southgate to the Motherwell striker's signature.

But the deal was criticised earlier this week by Fir Park manager Mark McGhee, who insisted McCormack "has higher to climb in the game than Wigan".

Barry Hughes, who represents McCormack, replied: "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," retorted Hughes in The Herald.

"I do not mean to be boastful, but I do not need to move on Ross McCormack, or anybody, to live off the money for six months.

"That is what most other agents do, but I have my own business.

"Those comments could potentially be bad for my business and that's why I feel compelled to respond to them because they are simply not true."

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