CHRIS McCann could be reunited with Owen Coyle this summer – with the former Burnley manager thought to be interested in taking the midfielder to Wigan Athletic.

McCann is leaving Burnley on a free transfer at the end of his contract, which officially expires at the end of this month, and an intriguing reunion with Coyle is now understood to be a possibility following the Scot’s appointment as manager of Wigan.

Coyle was unveiled as the Latics’ new boss on Friday, after eight months out of the game since departing Bolton Wanderers.

McCann (pictured) is already attracting interest from a number of clubs after deciding to leave Turf Moor, after eight years in the Clarets first team, to seek a new challenge.

The 25-year-old is likely to prefer a move to the Premier League should the opportunity arise, which could still put Hull in the driving seat for his signature.

The Tigers are reported to be interested but boss Steve Bruce has been away on holiday.

Fellow top flights new boys Crystal Palace are also in the running, with Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Leicester also said to be interested.

But the chance to link up with Coyle again at Wigan could prove tempting for McCann.

The Scot has never made any secret of how highly he rates McCann and is expected to pursue the prospect of bringing in the midfielder on a free transfer.

Wigan can offer McCann the chance to play in the Community Shield – one of Coyle’s first games as boss will be against Manchester United at Wembley on August 11. The Latics, who won the FA Cup last month, also have the attraction of being in the Europa League.

But owner Dave Whelan has stressed that progressing in Europe will not be Wigan’s priority next season.

Instead that will be returning to the Premier League at the first attempt after relegation from the top flight.

Clarets’ rising star Cameron Howieson is expected to line up for New Zealand under 20s against Egypt today in their final friendly before the start of the Under 20s World Cup.