Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has disclosed that Premiership giants Manchester United are watching talented winger Antonio Valencia, who has also been linked with Liverpool.

The Ecuador international initially came to the JJB Stadium on a loan deal from Villarreal in 2006, but he is now a permanent player for the Latics after manager Steve Bruce got the 23-year-old for keeps in January.

"We've got some fantastic young players here and we're going to get some clubs chasing them," Whelan is quoted as saying on premierleague.com.

"That's football. If you're a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. We will keep them as long as we can.

"We have a good team and a great spirit. Steve Bruce has instilled belief. The goal from Valencia against Man City was stunning, I know Man United have been watching him."