He dominated in Wigan's 2-1 defeat at West Ham United on Saturday and Bruce admits he is anxious for the transfer window to close.

"Palacios was sensational," said Bruce. "It was a stunning all-round midfield display.

"The window can't close soon enough as far as I am concerned because, if he carries on playing like that, it won't be long before a lot of clubs are after him."

Explaining how he came to sign Palacios, Bruce added: "I came about Wilson Palacios through Arsene Wenger.

"I was trying to sign Mathieu Flamini for Birmingham at the time and had agreed a deal with Arsenal, but he didn't want to come.

"But then Arsene phoned me and told me about a player he had on trial. I looked at him and as soon as I could I signed him in January for Wigan.

"He's a top, top player and we could struggle to hold on to him."