Championship side Wigan Athletic have opened talks with Motherwell over a deal for central defender Cedric Kipre.

Nearing the end of a protracted takeover, Latics boss Paul Cook moved for Ivory Coast international Kipre after a 3-0 loss to Rangers in Glasgow last Sunday.

Negotiations were continuing on Thursday night after Motherwell slapped a £1million price-tag on the former Leicester City defender.

Wigan have opened talks with Motherwell over a deal for central defender Cedric Kipre (right)

The 21-year-old was one of the SPFL side's star men during his debut season at Fir Park, helping Stephen Robinson's side to the finals of both the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup.

Under contract until 2020, Kipre was the subject of a failed £250,000 bid from Hull City last month.

Wigan hope to tie up an agreement before Saturday's Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday, while Motherwell face the loss of a key player hours before their SPFL Premiership campaign begins with a trip to Hibernian on Sunday.