Oldham Athletic set to sign Pakistan captain Khan after trial

The former Mansfield, Tranmere and Leyton Orient winger has been at Boundary Park for a number of weeks since pre-season, featuring in friendlies and remaining with the squad since the start of the new 2024/25 campaign.

And the 28-year-old, who is captain of the Pakistan national team, has impressed with his ability and work ethic and has agreed terms to remain with Latics ahead of Saturday's derby at Altrincham (kick-off 3pm), joining fellow summer recruits Reagan Ogle, Josh Kay, Manny Monthe, Harry Charsley, Callum Dolan, Jesurun Uchegbulam, Jake Caprice and Scott Moloney.

Latics could even look to round up their new intake to 10 once the EFL and Premier League transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow (Friday).

The Oldham Times understands the club has been in regular dialogue with Wigan Athletic about a possible return for Josh Stones, on loan, but that would be dependent on the League One club's own transfer dealings. There is even the possibility that a deal could be reached for a permanent switch before the transfer deadline, with Wigan not ruling out a cash offer.

Josh Stones celebrates a goal for Latics last season (Image: Thomas Lee Stacey)

Striker Stones was an instant hit with Latics fans last season but had his loan spell cruelly cut short by injury in only his fourth game.

The 20-year-old played in all three games in Wigan's first week of the new season - in league and cup - coming off the bench in the second half on each occasion. But he was not involved in their last game - a 1-0 win at home to Crawley - fuelling speculation that he could return to Oldham.

Stones has already been at Boundary Park this season, as a spectator at the midweek match against Fylde, and watched their pre-season friendly at Warrington Town.

He scored three goals in four games for Latics, striking up an instant partnership with top scorer James Norwood, who played his first game of the season after injury on Bank Holiday Monday.

Norwood started against Gateshead and was replaced by Mike Fondop just after the hour, with manager Micky Mellon treading carefully with his return to full match fitness.

Asked how much of a plus it was to have him back, Mellon said: "Massive.

"We always thought we'll give him an hour because he's a fit boy. We are going to have to get him fit this way because we're out of pre-season now, so the best way for James, because he's smart, is to keep playing him in games.

"For him to have an hour was always what we wanted to do and we're pleased with his contribution, he gives the players a big lift because they know how good a player he is. As he gets fitter he'll make us better.

"When (Mike) Fondop comes on he carries things forward as well, so we're looking at a strong bench as well, the guys that come on are adding stuff."

Mellon is expected to have his attacking options increased further by the imminent return of Joe Garner, who has missed the whole of pre-season after a shoulder operation.

"He's close as well so we'll probably just do the same we've done with Norwood, we'll introduce him into games now because they're smart guys and good professionals and they'll get themselves fit," he added.

Josh Kay missed the 1-1 draw with Gateshead with a foot injury and is unlikely to be fit to face Altrincham on Saturday.