Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has admitted that his number one priority is to sign a new defender before the January transfer window closes.

The Latics are without Ivan Ramis for the rest of the season and slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Sunderland last weekend in the Spaniard's first match on the treatment table.

Martinez conceded that his backline needs support but refused to be drawn on speculation linking Wigan with West Bromwich Albion centre-back Craig Dawson.

"January is a good moment to rectify that," he told reporters. "It is important we bring a defender in, but I don't think we will be looking at the Spanish market this time.

"It is difficult for a foreign player to arrive in January and make an impact, but we do need someone. I am concerned about the lack of points. We have been playing much better than that.

"We are not protecting our area well enough. These players can put that right, but I'll take the responsibility."

Wigan currently sit 19th in the Premier League table but are just a single point away from safety.