Valencia downpayment dismay

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to close a deal with Wigan for Antonio Valencia for a fee less than the Latics' £18 million asking price.

The United boss returns to his desk tomorrow morning and will move to conclude the much-touted transfer of the 24-year-old Ecuadorian for an initial downpayment of £14 million.

Wigan expected £18m for the wide man after Real Madrid entered the running in January, but the Spanish spenders have gone cold on Valencia - leaving United a clear path to pick him up.

United are offering Valencia a five-year contract with a wage structure similar to that of the middle bracket earners in the squad, but the offer to Wigan includes top up payments which could match or even surpass their £18m valuation.