Bruce wants Valencia stay

Ecuador winger impresses Latics chief

Last updated: 18th December 2007

Antonio Valencia

Valencia: Impressing Bruce

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Wigan boss Steve Bruce has revealed he will do everything he can to keep Antonio Valencia at the club.

Valencia is currently in the second season of his two-year deal from Villarreal.

The Ecuador international has been linked with a move back to Spain with Racing Santander when his loan expires, but Bruce is determined to sign him on a permanent basis.

"I will do everything I possibly can to make sure Antonio comes here permanently," Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post.

"He has been fantastic considering the knee injury he's had.

Top player

"I think he is a top player who can go on to play at the highest level if he continues developing.

"We have got him on loan at the moment.

"It's a bit of a complicated one but I'm going to dive into it over the next couple of weeks especially with the transfer window opening.

"Antonio has impressed me greatly and I was delighted to see him start training again after his injury in my first week.

"We are in pole position to sign him.

"I think the kid wants to stay and I will make that perfectly clear when we next meet up with his representative.

"He can be a huge player for us, I really like him.

"He's only 22 and already has played a lot of international football."