Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is prepared to lose manager Steve Bruce - but only to Manchester United.

He said: "I know he will go in the end but I hope it is not for three or four years. He deserves to manage Man United or one of them and I would wish him the best of luck.

"I have a great relationship with Steve and I am up front with him, as he is with me.

"He is going nowhere at present. He loves it here.

"If we finish seventh in the league I don't think there is any doubt he is manager of the year.

"He has absolutely worked wonders."