Ex-Portsmouth and Rangers man closing in on surprise Cyprus move

Wigan Today reports Pompey's League Two title winner is set to depart the DW Stadium for Apoel Nicosia.

Naismith inspired the Blues to the fourth-tier crown in 2017 when he bagged seven goals in the final nine matches.

The Scot left Fratton Park the following summer to reunite with Paul Cook at the Latics.

Naismith ended last season as a regular starter as Wigan finished 13th in the Championship – before they were relegated when hit with a 12-point deduction for entering administration.

The former Rangers man was one of few players who remained at the DW during the summer.

The likes of ex-Pompey winger Jamal Lowe, Antonee Robinson, David Marshall and Cedric Kipre were sold to help pay debts.

Naismith's been a fundamental player for Wigan as they battle to avoid relegation from League One this campaign, scoring three times in 14 appearances.

However, the forward is now set to depart the Latics during the January transfer window and make a switch to Apoel Nicosia, who are managed by Mick McCarthy.

Wigan interim manager and former Pompey assistant, Leam Richardson, admitted there has been interest in Naismith.

He told Wigan Today: ‘There’s also a few things happening in the background. Kal’s had options out there for a while.

'That will come down to Kal himself, and obviously the administrators, who’ll make the correct decision for the football club.'

In total, Naismith scored 21 goals in 94 games for Pompey during his three-year spell.