McManaman impressed after breaking into the Wigan first-team during the second half of last season and is not short on admirers, but he said yesterday his dream is to play in Europe ... and he could stay with the Latics.
Sunderland are reportedly looking to pip Everton to the signing of the 22-year-old, but the £7m fee is likely to be dissuade both clubs, while the Wearsiders would face competition from elsewhere for the Scouser.
The Black Cats were credited with an interest in Bournemouth’s Ritchie earlier in the summer, with Di Canio working with the 23-year-old at former club Swindon.
And there was renewed speculation over Ritchie yesterday after QPR boss and former Bournemouth manager and advisor Harry Redknapp, confirmed Sunderland’s interest in a national newspaper column.
Redknapp said: “He can play wide right, wide left, and is a terrific passer of the ball.
“I believe Di Canio is looking at him again.
“He is a player who could go on to make it at the top level.”