Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez admits they face losing Tom Cleverley back to Manchester United in January.
Cleverley could be hitting the big time sooner than next summer after United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he would 'probably' be recalling Cleverley from his loan spell at the DW ahead of the second half of this campaign.
Martinez and Wigan would be powerless to prevent this happening - and the Latics boss is not surprised that Ferguson is considering such a move.
He told the Wigan Evening Post: "Obviously the injury to Antonio Valencia has increased the chance of Tom going back to United.
"There has been no contact between the two sides, but it is only natural what is occurring because Tom is such a good player.
"We all know how highly United rate Tom - that's why we had to do everything we could to get him here in the first place.
"I have always said that we have to enjoy him for every day he is here - just as we want Tom to enjoy being here at Wigan Athletic.
"And that's all that matters, for however long that period might be.
"It's only a matter of time before Tom is playing at the very top level with United. It's not if, but when."
