[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rennes have confirmed Mario Melchiot will be leaving the club, amid reports Wigan Athletic want to bring the defender back to the Premiership.

Melchiot only joined Rennes from Birmingham City 12 months ago and started 30 games in Ligue 1 last season.

But he has rejected a contract extension and has been linked with a clutch of clubs as he considers his next move.

Rennes coach Pierre Dreossi told Ouest France: "Mario will take another direction, he will not continue with us."

Widespread reports have claimed the Dutch full-back will join Wigan on a free transfer, with Latics boss Chris Hutchings confirming he has another new signing lined up.

Hutchings told the club's official website: "We've been working really hard and it's been a good few days, and I hope to have some more good news very soon, hopefully by the end of the week.

"At this stage I'm not going to go any further as we still have a little way to go and there is still some more talking to do.

"I'm not prepared to talk names until a deal is signed, sealed and delivered. Needless to say people can speculate, but I'm confident we won't have to wait that long before we can make an announcement."

Former Chelsea defender Melchiot has also been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Lens, Marseille and Monaco.

Source: Skysports