Championship Posh struck a deal with the Candystripes for McClean, but the winger could not agree a contract.
And Brandywell chairman Philip O'Doherty reckons Latics boss Roberto Martinez sees the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Charles N'Zogbia.
O'Doherty told the Derry Journal: "The club and Peterborough had agreed a package but it has broken down due to personal terms. But sometimes these things seem like they've broken down when they haven't.
"Wigan, even though they haven't made a formal offer, are interested and being kept up-to-date by the agent.
"Wigan had expressed a serious interest in James, they spent a lot of time checking him out and they may well rekindle their interest now N'Zogbia's gone."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk