There would appear to be two certainties at Wigan this summer. Their manager Roberto Martinez will depart, while their most prized assets will leave for greener pastures.

The likes of Franco Di Santo, Shaun Maloney, Arouna Kone and Callum McManaman will almost certainly be queuing by the DW Stadium exits.

But from an Ireland perspective all eyes will be on James McCarthy. The midfielder has developed well this season and whether Wigan had gone down or not, he was still likely to leave.

Relegation changes the landscape slightly. Had Wigan stayed up they would not have been able to demand €18 million that was bandied about. But a fee of about €12 million was a possibility.

But relegation means that both buyer and seller know that McCarthy will leave no matter what, which backs Wigan into a corner.

He is still 22, so Wigan may still get a fee in the region of €10 – 12 million which would be in and around the expected price for a British-born midfielder.

But the question is where should he go to continue his own development and also boost Ireland? The two necessities are regular games and a platform for development.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with his signature.

Chelsea

Chelsea may be a risk too far for McCarthy. The Blues have reduced the age profile of their squad with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar playing central roles but young players have sometimes been stunted at Stamford Bridge.

The other problem is the incoming manager. If, as expected, Jose Mourinho is reappointed as Chelsea boss, that could throw up a problem as the Portuguese coach is not noted for developing players that are not fully established at the top level.

Frank Lampard’s new contract and a possible return for Michael Essien who is a Mourinho favourite could see the midfield become too congested.

Arsenal

Arsenal would prove a good staging ground for his development under Arsene Wenger’s renowned guidance.

The French boss is a master of harnessing raw talent and taking it to the next level.

The Gunners currently use a 4-2-3-1 and McCarthy would likely be played at the base of midfield, challenging Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey for a starting place.

It is a position he is accustomed to and traditionally Wenger gives his signings ample opportunities to take to the field, sometimes to his detriment. The opportunity to play in Europe would also be a draw, although the Champions League rather than the Europa League.

Tottenham

It is a similar story with Tottenham where Europe is also a prospect.

However, McCarthy may be advised to wait and see whether Spurs sell one or two of their deep-lying midfielders, as Scott Parker, Sandro, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore are vying for his favoured position.

Liverpool

Liverpool also present an intriguing prospect in the sense that they are putting an emphasis on developing younger players, while they are also trying to play a progressive style of football.

There could be regular first team opportunities if McCarthy were to hit the ground running at Anfield.

The likelihood is that he would be challenging Steven Gerrard, Lucas and Joe Allen for one of the two deeper midfield roles. It would prove to be a challenge, but not insurmountable.

The lack of immediate European football may be an issue although it appears that the Reds will be better placed for a Top Four push next season.

Manchester United

Finally, Man United have not been linked with McCarthy but with Paul Scholes' retirement, Darren Fletcher's illness and Anderson's possible departure, a space opens up in the squad.

Scottish-born, McCarthy could also be of interest to new manager David Moyes who has often signed players from his home country.

British and Irish signings have tended to do quite well at Old Trafford which would be encouraging from McCarthy's perspective.