Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Bruce rubbishes Valencia talk

08 Apr 2008 - 12:13:57

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Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has rubbished reports of a £5million exit for highly-rated midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia.

The 22-year-old Ecuador international joined the Latics on a permanent contract in January following a successful 18-month loan spell at the JJB Stadium from Spanish side Villarreal.

His impressive form this season has led to reports that Manchester City are planning a £5million summer move, but Bruce is adamant the winger is not for sale.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in Antonio, but I speak for the chairman as well as myself when I say the last thing we want to be doing is selling our better players," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

"Let me tell you it would take a lot more than £5million for us to be interested - we paid almost that amount to bring him here.

"The one thing about being the Wigan Athletic manager is that, if the team is performing well, you are going to have to fend off interest in your good players.

"Chris Kirkland, Valencia, Wilson Palacios for example are all playing well and other clubs will look at them.

"The good thing here, the beauty of it, is that we don't need the money - the chairman doesn't need any more money.

"If anyone wants any of my players they are going to have to pay a premium rate - when I was told about this supposed £5million interest in Valencia, I laughed ... and I mean laughed."