Burnley and Man City transfer has to be the blueprint Wigan Athletic follow: View | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle has been one of the stars of the 2023/24 League One season, and has played a massive role in a relatively successful season for the Latics, who have managed to comfortably stave off the threat of relegation, and land a mid-table spot despite beginning the season on -8, courtesy of a points deduction.

Following a stellar campaign, Tickle was voted as his club's player of the year, and is the first goalkeeper to pick up this accolade for the Latics since former Premier League shot-stopper Ali Al Habsi.

Tickle's exploits in League One have not gone unnoticed, as the 22-year-old made his England Under 21's debut last month, as the Young Lions hammered Luxembourg 7-0.

The young keeper will have raised his profile by keeping a clean sheet on his debut at youth international level, especially due to the fact that he replaced Premier League shot-stopper James Trafford, who was called up to the senior Three Lions squad.

Tickle's impressive performances this campaign mean that an exit from the DW Stadium is looking likely for the starlet, while top-flight outfit Everton are reportedly interested in his services, as per The Athletic.

Latics should follow Trafford blueprint for Tickle transfer deal

The Latics ace recently replaced Trafford as Lee Carsley's England under-21 goalkeeper, so his career is arguably on a similar trajectory to that of the Burnley man, who was plying his trade in League One just last season with Bolton Wanderers, in a loan spell from former club Manchester City.

Courtesy of Trafford's exploits for the Young Lions and in the third tier, the Blues were able to sell the 21-year-old to the Clarets for a handsome fee of £15m, which could rise to £19m due to add-ons.

This would be an ambitious transfer fee for the Latics to try and obtain, but given Tickle's performances and the high calibre interest in him, the Greater Manchester side should look to last summer's deal for Trafford as a blueprint to try and get as much money as possible for the starlet.

Given the fact that Everton are interested in the 22-year-old, it seems unlikely that Shaun Maloney and co will be able to hold on to their man over the summer transfer window.

Tickle is clearly a very talented goalkeeper, but it could be argued that Everton would not be an ideal destination for him at this time in his career, as the presence of England first-choice Jordan Pickford will likely mean that he is unable to be given regular game-time on Merseyside.

There could be better options for Tickle

The Toffees are the highest profile club currently eyeing the Latics' player of the year, but there are other interested parties, with Alan Nixon reporting via Patreon that Championship outfits Birmingham, Preston and Sunderland are all keen on Tickle.

In order to have a chance of signing the keeper, the Blues will firstly have to avoid relegation to League One, as such a fate would give a clear advantage to the Lilywhites and the Black Cats in this transfer race.

It could also be argued that due to Tickle's talent, mid-table second tier sides such as the Lilywhites and the Black Cats would do well to sign the starlet amid Premier League interest.

However, both of these clubs would be in a better position to give the shot-stopper game-time than the Toffees, especially if the Black Cats sell current number one Anthony Patterson, who has been the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool.

The potential exit of Patterson could leave Tickle with a clear void to fill at the Stadium of Light, but if the Latics want to receive a high transfer fee, perhaps they should pursue a deal with the Toffees.

Due to Pickford's clear status as number one at Goodison Park, Tickle's current club may even be able to sell their man to the Merseyside outfit, and agree a deal to get him back on loan for a season.