limpper

19 May 09, 16:48

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has agreed a £21.5 million deal with Real Madrid for winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

The Daily Mail says Valencia, 23, is seen by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo and he has been tracked by a number of suitors.

Aston Villa and Tottenham had asked to be kept informed but, with the two biggest clubs in the world going head-to-head, it seems they are out of the running.

Wigan boss Bruce has been negotiating with Madrid for a few months but this is the first time details of the fee - an £18m downpayment and a further £3.5m in add-ons - have been released.

The cash involved is astonishing given that Ecuador star Valencia has played less than 50 times in the Premier League since Paul Jewell signed him three years ago.

Poolman

19 May 09, 16:54

£21.5 million ?

Then Arjen Robben , how ?

limpper

19 May 09, 17:02

.

limpper

19 May 09, 17:04

Originally posted by Poolman:

£21.5 million ?

Then Arjen Robben , how ?

+34 91 398 43 00

Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1)

19 May 09, 21:50

Originally posted by Poolman:

£21.5 million ?

Then Arjen Robben , how ?

Y not they Valencia swap for Robben

limpper

20 May 09, 19:19

Man Utd have deadline to beat Real Madrid for Valencia

Manchester United have four weeks to sign Wigan winger Antonio Valencia ahead of Real Madrid.

The Mirror says Wigan's Ecuador star has told pals he would prefer to go to Old Trafford rather than return to Spanish football to become one of a wave of signings at Real for next season.

But now United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has the clock ticking on his bid as Latics insiders reveal they have a £18million offer for Valencia agreed with the Madrid club subject to the right candidate winning their elections.

Valencia is wanted by leading presidential candidate Florentino Perez whose agents have tabled an offer subject to him topping the poll on June 14.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce wants a speedy conclusion to the auction as he needs money for new players - and also hopes to take United striker Fraizer Campbell as part of the deal.

limpper

23 May 09, 12:46

Wigan boss Bruce intends to spend Valencia cash

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce will spend whatever is raised from the sale of Manchester United and Real Madrid target Antonio Valencia.

"Valencia's sale is inevitable. When you have five or six of the biggest clubs in the world after you it is very difficult for us to stand in the boy's way," he said.

"We will see what develops over the next few weeks - but I don't know where they get the £21million from.

"He has done fantastically well and if we do get big money for him the one thing we will try to do is reinvest it back in the squad and try to make it stronger and better if we can.

"No-one wants to lose their best players but we are realistic here. It is always a problem; it was a problem in January which I tried to fight off before I came to the conclusion I was swimming against the tide.

"We've got it again with Antonio but it is what it is, we understand we are Wigan and to make us bigger and better it is what we have to do.

"I don't think it affects the rest of the squad. The kid has had an outstanding season and an outstanding season last year.

"He has made himself one of the best right-sided players in the Premier League and with that comes a premium.

"He is 23 and although there is frustration as a manager you don't want to lose your top players but sometimes it has to be."