Wigan Athletic FC

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• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

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Bruce warning over Heskey

05 Dec 2008 - 07:28:47

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Steve Bruce has rejected claims that Emile Heskey is poised to leave Wigan Athletic for a cut-price fee in January.

The England striker is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has been linked with £4million moves to former club Liverpool and Aston Villa.

But Bruce has issued a warning to any suitors of the 30-year-old striker after suggesting he will not be sold on the cheap.

''We don't want to lose him - you don't have to be Einstein to realise that," said the Latics boss.

"I'm sure the chairman would back me on this. We could get three or four million pounds for Heskey in January, but what's the point when you're trying to get a £30million jackpot next summer?

"It would take a hell of a bid for us to even consider selling him because of the implications it would have on the club.

"Emile Heskey has been terrific for Wigan. He owes us nothing at all because of his performances. We would be mad to cash in for the sake of £4million.

"I'll be doing my utmost to make sure he stays, which is the same with other players. We have four or five who are coveted by top teams.

"We want to try and keep hold of them. We know how difficult it is to keep hold of the players but that's always going to be the case."