Boss tells Real to break the bank

Steve Bruce has issued another "hands off" warning to clubs - like Real Madrid - targeting Antonio Valencia in the transfer window.

The Ecuadorian star has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu after new Real coach Juande Ramos admitted he was on the lookout for a right-sided midfielder and that he would be looking in the Premier League.

But Latics boss Bruce insists anyone interested had better be ready to break the bank because he values Valencia in the same bracket as Tottenham's £15million man David Bentley.

"I want to keep him," said Bruce. "The last thing I want to do is start dismantling what I think is the best team Wigan have had.

"Antonia is a dribbler, he is prepared to take people on and is the type of player fans like to watch. Newspapers keep reporting about £7m bids, but if Tottenham sign David Bentley for £15m then what is Antonia worth?

"He's a real handful and when he's on fire teams find him so hard to play against.

"He was in unbelievable form against Blackburn last time out making a goal and scoring one and causing all sorts of problems."

Valencia's agent, Diego Herrera has admitted that the rumoured Real interest is just newspaper speculation for now.

He told Sky Sports: "I have heard the talk about interest from Real Madrid in the press, but right now it is just speculation.

"There is nothing offical and no-one has spoken to me.

"I have also heard about reports of interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa, but no-one has spoken to me about this.

"I have spoken to Wigan manager Steve Bruce and no-one has given him any formal offer."