Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is an admirer of winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

He revealed: "Will Sir Alex pay a big, juicy price for Antonio? He had him watched in every game last season and he holds Antonio in high regard. There is no question he is interested.

"Sir Alex is a shrewd operator. He is the finest manager the world has ever seen. We have to take our hats off to him."