Speaking after Wigan's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United last night, Latics boss Steve Bruce admitted he was powerless to stop either Wilson Palacios or any of his other sought-after players leaving the club.

"We are realistic at Wigan. We do offer them the chance to come to the Premier League and prove themselves to be Premier League footballers," Bruce told Sky Sports News.

"The big boys start circling and coming to nick your players and unfortunately, if they pay enough, then they are always going to get their own way, that is the way of the world unfortunately.

"We don't want to lose anyone but everyone knows in football that everyone has their price and of course we can't deny the players that opportunity to further their careers."