Wigan chairman Whelan big fan of Sunderland target Figueroa

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has hinted he won't consider selling fullback Maynor Figueroa.

The Honduras international is wanted by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce ahead of the January market in a £6 million deal.

In his column for the Manchester Evening News, Whelan wrote: "It is, however, a major blow to have lost our talented left-back, Maynor Figueroa.

"What a quality player this lad is. Top left-sided players are still something of a rarity and I feel Figueroa is up there with the best. He just keeps improving every week."