After Wigan pair Antonio Palacios and Esteban Valencia were both linked with a shock move to Manchester United, boss Steve Bruce admitted he would be unable to stop the duo from leaving the club. Man Utd reportedly are interested in Palacios for around £3 million and Valencia for £5 million.

"There were two Benfica boys mentioned as well (Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso) and they were rated at £15million, while mine were £5million (Valencia) and £3million (Palacios)," said Bruce.

"I think the prices were the wrong way round though! I don't think the chairman (Dave Whelan) would be interested for that sort of money, that's for sure.

"My chairman is a wealthy man, and anybody wanting to buy from us knows they are going to have to dig deep.

"Looking at the figures mentioned, they would have to be a lot more than that before we even considered it.

"They're obviously two of the last players I would want to sell as well. Ideally, we can't afford to let those kind of players go

"We're looking to try and build around these players because they are only young, and they can only improve.

"But come on, we have to be sensible about this. If Man United come knocking at the door, how the hell can you refuse them?

"I'm aware you can't deny somebody like a Manchester United or a Liverpool or a Tottenham.

"This club never wanted to sell (Pascal) Chimbonda, but players want to go and you can understand that, so we have to be realistic as well."