Manchester United are planning an £11 million bid for Wigan Athletic winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

The Daily Star Sunday says Latics chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that the Ecuador international is on the Red Devils' radar - because they have sent spies to watch him a few times.

And knowing Sir Alex Ferguson's men have liked what they have seen, the sports retail tycoon is bracing himself for a bid.

Even though he says he will do everything he can to keep Valencia at the JJB, Whelan admits the lure of potential silverware will be strong.

"I know Man United have been watching him," he said. "If you're a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. That's football.

"We've got some fantastic young players here and we're going to get some clubs chasing them. The goal from Valencia against Man City was stunning."