Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce knows his players are attracting interest from bigger clubs.

"We've created the nucleus of a really decent team but my biggest fear is can we keep it together? Because the vultures are already hovering," said Bruce.

"If Chris Kirkland stays fit, he's the best goalkeeper in the country. There's always been interest in Heskey, Palacios, Valencia, Scharner and now in Zaki.

"Heskey is out of contract next summer and Zaki is only on loan for the season, although we have an agreement in principle to keep him.

"Keeping those two is fundamental to us. I've been a centre-half and I know for a fact I wouldn't want to play against that pair.

"My chairman will back me to the hilt but how can I deny these lads the opportunity if one of the big boys comes knocking on our door?

"That's the problem we are going to have to address this term."