Feyenoord chief Martin van Geel admits Wigan Athletic made an attempt for Mitchell te Vrede.

However, he says Feyenoord were reluctant to lose the striker with the club battling on several fronts this season.

"First Wigan wanted a loan deal structured, but that was simply unacceptable to us.

"Mitchell is a valuable player for us. He can function as a pinch hitter and we play European football, so we need him."

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