Wigan owner Dave Whelan has defended the number of foreign imports signed by the Latics.
A survey by a national newspaper, The Sun, revealed Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is the among the “worst offenders” for not buying English players, with only of his 12 signings homegrown.
But Whelan claims their approach is simply down to a lack of domestic talent.
He told The Sun: “Our priority here must be to keep this club in the Premier League and we will do whatever it takes to achieve that.
“I would love to see a lot more English players in our side – and also in every other Premier League team. But the sad fact is that there is an alarming dearth of talent out there.
“It is not a question of whether players in the Championship and elsewhere represent good value. It is down to a lack of quality. That is why clubs like ourselves shop abroad.
“As a club, we have been very successful at tapping into the South American market and Roberto has also brought in a number of players from the continent. His knowledge of the game in Europe is as good as anyone’s.
“We would be daft not to take advantage of it. But if you can show me players who are as good over here, I’ll happily open the cheque-book.
“I don’t believe you will manage that, because, believe me, we have looked long and hard.”