With the season due to start in five days Hutchings faces a tight schedule in his bid to bring in a replacement.

He said: “The timing does not help us to be honest but we have been looking at left backs and that will continue.

“The situation with Leighton has rumbled on and we would have liked it sorted out earlier.

“But we have to move on. We would to bring someone else in but I do not know if that will happen.”

Hutchings paid tribute to Baines for his contribution to Wigan’s remarkable rise through the leagues.

“He has done a fantastic job for this club after coming through the system,” said the Wigan boss.

“He was brought up here and knows a lot of people but sometimes you need to make a change in your life.”

If Hutchings fails in his bid to bring in a replacement, then Kevin Kilbane will almost certainly fill in as an emergency left back.

Hutchings said: “He has played there a number of times in pre-season and have every confidence in him.”

Coincidentally, Wigan’s opening game is against Everton on Saturday but Baines could be struggling to make the match as he has a hamstring injury.