Real Madrid had a top-secret meeting with Wigan
yesterday in a bid to seal a £16 million deal for star winger Luis
Antonio Valencia. Top Real official Miguel Portugal watched
Valencia in action against Manchester United and stayed on to talk
terms with chief executive Brenda Spencer.
Latics negotiator Spencer is in charge of the Valencia sale and
is looking for a stunning £20 million for the Ecuadorian, who is
also wanted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
United thought they had a move for Valencia wrapped up for later
this month, but Real - even with an election due to start -
demanded the summit to let Wigan know they still want the
player.
Technical director Portugal will survive the club's vote and is
a known ally of favourite Florentino Perez, who is keen on Valencia
whether he lands major target Cristiano Ronaldo or not.
Wigan insiders reveal that Real already made one offer in
January which has been improved in the latest discussions. The
original bid included a loan for a year, but this move is based on
cash only.
The sole hold-up will be when the move is sealed as the Madrid
club will have to go through the election process first. But
Portugal wants an agreement in principle, pending the vote.
Boss Steve Bruce admits it is 'inevitable' that Valencia will
move at the end of the campaign, but now his destination is up for
debate. Ferguson will still try to counter the offer if Real agree
a fee.
However United are reluctant to go too high for Valencia and
have offered Bruce the choice of a couple of players to go on a
season-long loan as part of the package.
Bruce wants young striker Fraizer Campbell, but may yet push his
luck and ask for Danny Welbeck instead. Both Old Trafford reserves
could be sent out for experience by Ferguson.
