Wigan are ready to up their offer for Andrew Johnson nearer to Simon Jordan's £10million valuation but doubts remain whether the Palace striker will want to join the Latics.

The Premiership side has already had a club record £7million bid rejected by the Palace chairman and are preparing to increase their bid to tempt Jordan to do business.

Jordan admitted on Monday he is yet to decide the fate of Johnson's future and met up with the England striker later that evening to discuss his future.

Jordan said: "I have a balancing act between what the most important thing for the betterment of this club and what is also the best thing for him.

"Is another season in the Coca-Cola Championship for Andrew going to do him any good? If we're talking pound signs is it going to do the club any good if he doesn't set the world alight next season?

"But what I can say is I haven't decided yet, I'll be selling him at a price which suits me, not a price which suits the buyer."

The financial clout of Latics chairman Dave Whelan could give Wigan the edge over their rivals Everton and Bolton for Johnson's signature. They have even indicated they would pay the whole fee up front, instead of using the preferred option of paying in instalments.

"If Palace want the full fixed amount right away then we can give it to them," confirmed a Latics spokesman.

This must be an advantage." But even if Wigan does manage to persuade Jordan to accept the fee, Paul Jewell's side could face another transfer heartache if Johnson chooses to turn term down.

Michael Owen and Scott Parker are two big names to have rejected a move to the JJB stadium since the club was promoted to the top flight last season, despite the Latics initially offering more money than Newcastle United the side both players ended up joining.

Wigan's inability to attract large crowds to the JJB stadium and football being the second choice sport in the rugby league mad town is cited as the main reason why the club has struggled to attract some of the Premiership big names.

Johnson may be tempted turn down the offer in favour of a move to a more established club, preferably involved in Europe, which would enhance his England hopes.