Why The Sudden Interest In Wigan Players?

It’s not too often that teams in the top four are linked with big money signings from bottom half of the table clubs. Yet over the past few days, I’ve seen our club linked with Wigan players with some frequency.

After missing out on a deal for Frazier Campbell on the transfer deadline day, Steve Bruce is keen to hold on to two of his better players.

But are United really interested in them?

Antonio Valencia

Valencia is a 23-year-old right winger from Ecudor, who possibly could be seen as a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement for the summer. If Ferguson could get him in January to train him up, all the better.

Wigan got him from Villarreal, initially on loan, with the deal being made permanent this summer.

In his international debut, he scored two goals against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match, aged just 19.

“We’ve got some fantastic young players here and we’re going to get some clubs chasing them,” said Wigan chairman, Dave Whelan. “That’s football. If you’re a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. We will keep them as long as we can. We have a good team and a great spirit. Steve Bruce has instilled belief. The goal from Valencia against Man City was stunning, I know Man United have been watching him.”

Wilson Palacios

Palacios is a 24-year-old midfielder from Honduras. After spending the first five years of his career at a Honduran club, he joined Birmingham City on loan last season, after having a trial at Arsenal.

When Steve Bruce left Birmingham for Wigan, he made the permanent signing of the player a priority, likening him to a young Paul Ince.

“I’m never going to be able to stop speculation like that as everyone knows my connections with United,” said Wigan manager, Steve Bruce. “But there is no deal done, I can tell you that. The way Wilson has been playing, he is going to attract the attention of other clubs. But certainly nothing is in place at Christmas or next summer.”

Which of the two, if either, are you interested in?