EASTLEIGH striker Mikael Mandron is being linked with a move to Wigan Athletic.

Reports suggest the 22-year-old, signed on a free transfer from Premier League outfit Sunderland during the summer, will join the Championship club today.

The Frenchman has scored 15 goals in 33 games in all competitions since signing for National League Eastleigh, alerting clubs higher up the pyramid.

Wigan are thought to be one of two Championship sides eyeing his signature, but sources suggest the Latics are in pole position and have agreed an undisclosed fee with the Spitfires.

Sunderland beat a host of clubs to Mandron’s signature when he joined them as a 16-year-old.

But the attacker made only three first-team appearances during his stay at the Stadium of Light.

He had loan spells with Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town and Hartlepool United before being released by the Black Cats last summer.

Eastleigh chairman Stewart Donald has already rebuffed several offers for the 6ft 3in frontman and stated last week that only “silly money” would tempt the Spitfires to sell Mandron.

He said: “Mikael has been subject to bids, but we want to build our team around him.

“The offers we’ve had aren’t anywhere near our valuation.

“We would only consider silly money because he is a player who can take the club to the next level.”

Mandron began Saturday’s National League game against Woking on the bench but, with Eastleigh outplayed in the first half, he was thrown on for wide midfielder Tyler Garratt five minutes before the break.

Despite piling on the second-half pressure, Eastleigh lost the game 1-0, putting a large dent in their play-off hopes.