Manchester United are chasing Wigan Athletic winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

The News of the World says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has asked Latics manager Steve Bruce to be given first option on the Ecuadorian international.

But any move would have to wait until the end of the season when the United manager will be given his transfer funds for the summer.

United's arch-rivals Real Madrid have also been linked with a £15million bid for 23- year-old Valencia.

However, Bruce would prefer to hold on to the winger for the rest of the season.