Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Emile Heskey as their targeted replacement for wantaway striker Dimitar Berbatov, but Wigan Athletic are determined to hold on to the powerful forward.

In an exclusive story by the Daily Mail, it is claimed that the Latics have vowed to repel Spurs’ efforts to sign the England striker for £10million.

The Sportsmail also cites a source at the JJB Stadium confirming that Wigan would rebuff any approach for their talisman as their Premiership survival would hinge on Heskey remaining part of Steve Bruce's squad.

Reports over the weekend have claimed that Bulgarian ace Berbatov is finally set to move to Manchester United, who are said to have made an improved offer in the region of £25m, as Spurs boss Juande Ramos wants end to the transfer saga and needs time to bring in the replacement with few days left for the transfer window to close.

Spurs had earlier this summer been linked with another England forward, Michael Owen of Newcastle United, as Berbatov saga continued and the north-Londoners had lost Robbie Keane to Liverpool, leaving Ramos with only Englishman Darren Bent to use up front.