Agent: "Wigan a stepping stone for Pascal"

Wigan's right-back angered chairman Dave Whelan and manager Paul Jewell by handing in a transfer request minutes after the final game of the season on Sunday, a 4-2 defeat at Arsenal.

Chimbonda: Used Wigan as a stepping stone

The Wigan hiererchy have made it clear that the French right-back will not be allowed to leave the JJB Stadium for anything less than £6million.

And while McKay recognises Whelan's decision, he believes the price is over the top and that £3.5million is 'more realistic.' The agent also confirmed that Wigan rejected a £2million offer from long-time admirers Tottenham.

"Mr Whelan owns his contract and if he's got to stay, he's got to stay," said McKay: "Wigan deserve a good fee because they took a chance on him."

Wigan signed Chimbonda for £500,000 from Bastia last summer, and speaking to BBC Sport, McKay added: "He [Chimbonda] saw Wigan as a stepping stone - he wants to play for a top, top club."

"His ambition is to play for France. He's not come out of second gear yet and there's a lot more to come from him."

"He's a good guy who plays with no fear - it doesn't matter who he's playing against."

McKay also revealed that Chimbonda "panicked" into handing in his transfer request, with the player still in his kit.

"It was the end of the season, he was going on holiday and wanted to sort his future out - he panicked," said McKay: "The manager wasn't going on the team bus and Pascal saw it as his chance."