ANTONIO Valencia could be heading for a sensational switch to Old Trafford - with Sir Alex Ferguson ready to snatch him from Wigan if he can tempt Steve Bruce to sell.

Real Madrid, as revealed by PeopleSport recently, were willing to pay ?12 million ($26.3m) for Valencia but with Wigan wanting at least ?16m the Spanish giants have now backed away from a deal.

I understand Manchester United boss Ferguson has had a conversation with Wigan boss Bruce and is desperate to land the 23-year-old winger after raving about the South American star for months.

Although Valencia plays in Cristiano Ronaldo's right wing position Ferguson is still pursuing a deal - putting Nani's position under the spotlight.

Portuguese winger Nani joined United from Sporting Lisbon the same time as Brazilian midfielder Anderson in July 2007 but he hasn't made the same impact.

Concern

Although Nani is still only 22 there's been concern at Old Trafford whether the winger will emerge as a really top star at the club. United have also just signed left-sided winger Zoran Tosic, 21, reinforcing the belief that Nani hasn't hit the heights the club expected.

Fergie's been impressed by Valencia's energy, attacking ability and work ethic and he was privately bowled over by the youngster's performance against United in mid-week.

Wigan, who paid ?4m to Spanish side Villarreal for Valencia, are desperate to hang on to the Ecuadorian international at least until the summer.

With Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios a major ?15m target for Spurs and Emile Heskey looking for a big club move either this month or in the summer, Bruce doesn't want to see Wigan's promising season fall apart.

- STEVE BATES