Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claims an unnamed club has spoken to the Latics to try and sign winger Antonio Valencia.

With Manchester United having already stated their interest in the Ecuador star, and Real Madrid also apparently putting in a bid, the news that a third club has signaled intent to sign him is surprising but not implausible.

It was widely expected that the Ecuador international will end up at either Old Trafford, or join the man he was meant to replace at United, Cristiano Ronaldo, at the Bernabeu, but one wonders whether these reports of another club entering the race could change that.

Liverpool had earlier been linked with the winger, and Rafa Benitez is a known admirer of the Wigan player, but they have denied reports of a bid.

Whelan had been quoted earlier as saying Valencia could join Manchester United within the next two weeks, but the latest reports from Setanta say the new party's appearance will throw that deal up in the air again.

With United's Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City both unafraid to outspend the champions, it is very likely that this ‘new club' is one of those two.

Undoubtedly, the team that will benefit most immediately are Wigan Athletic, as the Latics stand to make a huge profit from the sale of the Ecuador International, currently valued at about £18m.