Wigan Athletic Football Club News

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

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Latics accept Valencia switch

06 Feb 2009 - 10:53:28

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Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has resigned himself to losing the services of Ecuador winger Luis Antonio Valencia next summer.

The talented 23-year-old was linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the January transfer window, but a loan deal failed to materialise.

However, Bruce thinks that that was just a stay of execution, with a host of club across the continent having Valencia on their wish-lists.

He told the Daily Mirror: "It's inevitable he is leaving. There is so much interest in him, not just in this country but around the world.

"We are talking about the biggest clubs in this country and Spain and beyond.

"There was a loan deal put to us by Real Madrid but it was not acceptable. We do have someone in mind to come in, but that is five months off."

Valencia moved to the JJB Stadium in the summer of 2006 and has scored seven goals in 79 appearances since his arrival from Villarreal.