Aston Villa, are to join Liverpool and Manchester United in the race for the signature of Wigan Athletic midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia, when the transfer window reopens in January, according to The News of the World.

The Sunday tabloid claims that Villa boss Martin O’Neil is planning to make a £7million offer to lure 23-year-old Valencia from the JJB Stadium to Villa Park. As the former Celtic boss looks to build a squad capable of challenging for a Champions League place in the Premiership at the Midlands club.

Ecuador International Valencia signed permanently for the Latics in the summer, having spent the previous two seasons on loan from La Liga club Villarreal and has made 65 Premier League appearances for Steve Bruce’s side.

Valencia has also attracted the attention of Reds boss Rafa Benitez, with the Liverpool boss keen to bring the right-winger to Anfield as a replacement for Jermaine Pennant, who looks destined to leave the Merseyside club in January.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also said to be interested in bringing Valencia to the Premier League Champions, with the Red Devils chief also linked with Valencia’s club and International team mate Wilson Palacios.