Latics boss Paul Jewell is ready to spend big this summer following the club's promotion to the Premiership and Thompson is thought to be one of the players on his wish-list.
Wigan owner Dave Whelan has promised Jewell a £25 million transfer kitty and the former Bradford boss has already stated his intention is to bring in players with experience of playing in the top-flight.
"Finding the right blend is essential," said Jewell, who succeeded in keeping Bradford up at the end of their first season in the Premiership five years ago.
"I want young, hungry players, but it's also important that we bring in experienced players with knowledge of the Premiership, too."
As well as Thompson, Jewell is also thought to be eyeing possible moves for Everton defenders Alan Stubbs and Steve Watson, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, and Manchester United's Roy Carroll, who launched his career at Wigan before sealing a dream move to Old Trafford.
After overcoming a series of injury problems, Thompson has featured regularly in the Rovers first team under Mark Hughes but the former Liverpool and Coventry midfielder is about to enter the final year of his contract and Hughes may decide to cash in now, rather than risk him leaving on a free at the end of next season.
Everton boss David Moyes is also an admirer of the 27-year-old and may test the water with a bid this summer as he looks to increase the size of his squad.