Micky Mellon has dropped his biggest hint yet that Oldham Athletic are looking to secure Josh Stones' return to Boundary Park.

Latics have been in regular contact with Wigan about the striker's availability, after he was an instant hit on loan last season.

Stones started this season with the League One club but has dropped down the pecking order at the DW Stadium, leading to Oldham reviving their interest.

A second loan has been in the offing since the summer, but Latics finally look to be closing in on their man, despite reported interest from National League rivals York City.

After celebrating a comeback win over Mellon's former club Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, the Oldham boss said: "Hopefully we'll have a little surprise for the supporters next week as well, which will excite them."

Asked whether that meant a return for Stones, Mellon replied: "Well, we'll see."

Stones was a popular figure among the dressing room and with supporters during his brief spell at Boundary Park, and has kept in contact with the club. He has been a regular spectator at Latics' games whenever an opportunity has presented itself having been an instant hit during his loan spell, and was in the Main Stand to watch their 1-0 win over Dagenham and Redbridge in their last National League game.

If the move goes ahead as planned this week, Mellon will be hoping Stones can pick up where he left off last season.

The 20-year-old, immediately clicked with James Norwood and scored three goals in four games, before injury in the final game of 2003 cut short his stay.