Wigan Athletic defender Titus Bramble denied Emile Heskey will leave the club before his contract expires at the end of the season.

Despite reported offers by Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool of about £4million in order to convince Wigan, Heskey will likely stay with the club until his contract expires at the end of the season.

Emile Heskey is thinking of raising the interest on him during the summer transfer season, as he expects interest from clubs will become stronger as they will be able to sign him on a free transfer deal.

"I think that Emile will stay here and that the January transfer window will pass with him still here" Branble said.

"Both the manager and the owner don't want him to go and the gaffer has said it will take a ridiculous offer for him to sell him.

"Emile is the best target man in the league and on his day he is unplayable. I think he'll stay for the season.

"He's stated that he wants to play in the Champions League so if he did leave in the summer, it would be with everyone's blessings."