Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has warned Lee McCulloch he
will not be leaving the JJB Stadium unless the club receive 'an
unbelievable offer'.
McCulloch, who only signed a new three-year contract last summer,
officially handed in a transfer request to Jewell, citing 'family
reasons'.
Jewell this week slammed as 'derisory' and 'insulting' a £750,000
bid from the Scottish Premier League side, bearing in mind Wigan
paid £700,000 for McCulloch nearly five years ago.
"I don't want to keep unhappy players but I don't want to let
players go for nothing either," said Jewell.
"He's come through the ranks as a Championship player, a Premier
League player and now an international player, so he has a market
value.
"He was happy to sign a three-year contract in the summer; now if
he wants to leave - and I desperately don't want him to - and it is
right for us, then he can go.
"At the moment I've not spoken to the chairman (Dave Whelan) about
it and I haven't got a figure in mind because I really don't want
him to leave.
"But it's up to Rangers to come up with a proper bid, or Celtic, or
Kilmarnock - whoever. It has to be something that's fair.
"Every player has their price, it doesn't matter who he is, but
unless it comes up to scratch then he will be staying here."
Jewell added: "Walter Smith knows my stance on it.
"As far as I'm concerned, nothing is going to be done unless it is
an unbelievable offer - and even then, I probably won't consider
it."
Jewell is particularly unhappy at the involvement of the agents in
this latest saga, particularly as McCulloch is currently only
represented by the Professional Footballers' Association.
However, John Viola has been speaking on McCulloch's behalf,
leaving Jewell to add: "I know who represents Lee until
March.
"They are the same people who were involved when he signed his new
contract in the summer.
"But I've had this fellow from Scotland (Viola) who has come onto
me this week claiming he is Lee's agent, but he isn't.
"I think Lee has forgotten to tell him he's contracted to somebody
else.
"Last week I had another agent who rang on Lee's behalf and it was
not the same agent who rang me this week.
"I think it all depends on what day it is as to who is Lee's
agent!"
Jewell, though, insists McCulloch is available for selection for
the Barclays Premiership clash with Everton on Sunday when the
Latics will aim to end a bad run of six successive league
defeats.
"He's every chance of playing," said Jewell.
"People can have their differences with the club, or with me. I
don't really care. He is paid by us to play for us.
"We both know each other well enough, and if he tries his best,
then not a problem. If he doesn't, he's got a problem."