Read more about Wigan Athletic.
Whelan makes Valencia admission
Wigan Athletic, 08:31, June 16, 2009 ,
Dave Whelan has confirmed that a third club has joined Real Madrid and Manchester United in the race for Wigan star Antonio Valencia.
The Latics chairman made the admission when discussing what areas of the squad will need bolstering this summer with new boss Roberto Martinez now installed as Steve Bruce's successor.
Whelan has always maintained that the 23-year-old Ecuador international would probably leave and revealed that United and Spanish giants Real Madrid had expressed an interest. However, he now claims another club have entered the running for Valencia's signature.
"When you look at Wigan, we need another striker, that's for sure, we need a couple in midfield and then it depends on whether Antonio Valencia goes," Whelan told Sky Sports.
"We don't want to sell him, it's the big clubs that are chasing him that are offering fantastic money for the lad and I don't want to stop a player with his ability from playing with one of the top six clubs in the world.
"I don't want to sell him, but if Antonio Valencia goes, which he could do in the next fortnight, it creates a problem on the right for us because he's going to be so difficult to replace."
He added: "We have got three clubs vying to buy him. We are just going to sit on the fence because, whatever we think, it depends on where the player wants to go.
"There is no use us thinking we will sell him to Real Madrid or Manchester United, because it depends on the player and the advice his agent gives him.
"If he wants to stay, though, I'm delighted. If nothing happens and he stays I will be over the moon, and the supporters will be."
As soon as a club makes a move for Valencia we'll let you know with a text from our mobile alert service.