Wanted man: Valencia has impressed with Wigan.
Chelsea
are lining up a £7million bid for Wigan's Antonio
Valencia.
Blues manager Luiz Felipe Scolari wants the winger to replace
Joe Cole after the England international was ruled out for the rest
of the season with cruciate ligament damage.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been monitoring
23-year-old Ecuadorian Valencia but he would not be guaranteed as
starting place at Old Trafford or the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Latics boss Steve Bruce has targeted midfielder
Hendry Thomas to replace Spurs-bound Wilson Palacios.
Thomas could arrive at the JJB Stadium in the summer from
Olimpia, Palacios' former club in Honduras, according to the Daily
Mirror.
Cole on crutches: Being replaced.