Wigan boss Steve Bruce has revealed that
midfielder Antonio Valencia turned down the chance to join Real
Madrid.
Valencia, 23, has attracted interest from a number of clubs but
Bruce said the player has chosen to stay at Wigan.
"Valencia has turned down an offer from Real Madrid. It only
happened last night [Friday], and it is great news for us," said
Bruce.
"He is prepared to stay with us until the end of the season at
least, which is fantastic." Reports have also linked Manchester
United with an £18m-move for the Ecuadorian international.
Valencia has played over 60 games for Wigan after initially
joining on loan from Villarreal in 2006.
The midfielder made the move permanent for an undisclosed fee in
January 2008, and has a contract at the JJB Stadium
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Bruce has raised £17.5m in transfer fees after selling Emile
Heskey and Wilson Palacios in January, and looks set to bring in
Newcastle winger Charles N'Zogbia before the end of the transfer
window.
"We have lost Emile and Wilson, and the last thing you want to
do is rebuild a team in January. Keeping hold of Antonio was
paramount."
Real Madrid have been in the market for wide men, and were
linked with moves for Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Pennant before the
latter joined Portsmouth on loan.
The Spanish club have, however, signed Frenchman Julien Faubert
from West Ham on loan until the end of the season for a fee of
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