Deane Smalley has agreed to join League One neighbours Rochdale on a one month loan.
The 22-year-old has been unable to command a regular starting place with Athletic this season and has also suffered many injury problems in the last year as well as a serious back problem in addition to groin and pelvic problems.
Smalley has made 120 first-team appearance for the Latics and has contributed to the high energy start while chipping in with 11 goals.