Valencia Is Expected To Choose United

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan once again stressed that Antonio Valencia would leave the club and that they are more than happy to give him the chance to fulfil his potential at one of the greatest clubs in the world. The Ecuador winger will join either United or Real Madrid.

'United and Real Madrid both know he is away,' said Whelan.

'It's no good me saying he is going to Manchester United because he is the boss and we'll be listening to what he says. We have had offers that are acceptable to Wigan Athletic, around the £14-18 million mark but what we will finish up with eventually I don't know.

'One club could offer £2 million more than the other but if Antonio says he doesn't want to go there then there is no point. We can't tell him where he wants to go.

'I think he is an outstanding player and he would fit in at either Manchester United or Real Madrid. There is no doubt that he will end up at one of those clubs - it's just a case of which one he wants to end up at.'

Valencia will come back from holiday on Friday and will decide his future soon after, according to Whelan. It looks like the Wigan chairman has already accepted the bids for the winger so there's little chance of long, drawn-out negotiations which is good news.

I am usually fairly pessimistic about transfer rumours but in this case I'm still convinced he'll end up at Old Trafford. Valencia allegedly prefers to stay in the Premier League and moving to Madrid at a time they signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka and also want Ribery just wouldn't make sense for him.

I'm still not sure he's the one we need but if Sir Alex really wants him that badly then I am happy that he looks certain to join us. Hopefully the deal will be concluded early next week.

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