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Whelan slams 'dearth of talent'
Wigan Athletic, 17:35, July 28, 2010 ,
Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan says there is a "dearth of English talent out there" which forces clubs to go abroad for top players.
Whelan has defended his club's signing policy, stating that a lack of homegrown talent has forced to the Latics to look further afield.
Like many Premier League sides, Latics have plenty of players in their first-team squad who are from oversees and Whelan admits it is not something he is necessarily proud of.
However, he insists there is a real lack of local-born talent for clubs to sign up and they have no choice but to shop in Europe and elsewhere to compete in the top flight.
He told The Sun: "Our priority here must be to keep this club in the Premier League and we will do whatever it takes to achieve that.
"I would love to see a lot more English players in our side and also in every other Premier League team.
"But the sad fact is that there is an alarming dearth of talent out there. It is not a question of whether players in the Championship and elsewhere represent good value.
"It is down to a lack of quality, that is why clubs like ourselves shop abroad."
He added: "If you can show me players who are as good over here, I'll happily open the chequebook.
"I don't believe you will manage that, because, believe me, we have looked long and hard."