Real Madrid have held a round of talks with Wigan Athletic over winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

The Mirror says Real Madrid had a top-secret meeting with Wigan yesterday in a bid to seal a £16 million deal for star winger Valencia.

Top Real official Miguel Portugal watched Valencia in action against Manchester United and stayed on to talk terms with chief executive Brenda Spencer.

Latics negotiator Spencer is in charge of the Valencia sale and is looking for a stunning £20 million for the Ecuadorian, who is also wanted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

United thought they had a move for Valencia wrapped up for later this month, but Real - even with an election due to start - demanded the summit to let Wigan know they still want the player.