Latics yet to receive Heskey approach

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says the club have yet to receive any offers for star striker Emile Heskey.

The England striker is out of contract at the JJB Stadium at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa and former club Liverpool are believed to be at the head of the queue to sign the 30-year-old but Whelan has revealed no firm offers have yet been made for the experienced frontman.

"Everybody knows Emile Heskey's future hangs in the balance right now ahead of the transfer window reopening," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Emile is out of contract at the end of the season, but I can confirm there have been no approaches or offers for him."

Whelan wants Heskey to stay and admitted if the striker does decide to move on, the club will need to replace him.

He added: "If Emile eventually moves on from Wigan, we naturally have to find a quality replacement. We totally respect Emile and it all depends on what he wants to do.

"I honestly feel this could be his last career move but, obviously, we would love him to stay at Wigan.

"He is a very important player for us and a fine ambassador for the club and his country."