Valencia rejects Real move

N'Zogbia closes on switch to JJB Stadium

Last updated: 31st January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Valencia rejects Real move

Valencia: Staying at Wigan

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Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia has rejected the chance to join Spanish giants Real Madrid before the transfer deadline.

Real had spent much of January chasing the Ecuador international before appearing to end their interest last week.

However, Wigan boss Steve Bruce has revealed that Valencia turned down a move to the Bernabeu on Friday night before Real signed Julien Faubert from West Ham United.

Bruce is delighted that the exciting wide man has agreed to stay with the Latics, having seen Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey leave the club this month.

And Bruce is now hoping for a further boost before the window closes on Monday by bringing in Charles N'Zogbia from Newcastle United.

Great news

"Valencia has turned down an offer from Real Madrid," said Bruce after the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. "It only happened on Friday night - and it is great news for us.

"He is prepared to stay with us until the end of the season at least - which is fantastic.

"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.

"As regards N'Zogbia, we have agreed a fee with Newcastle; we spoke to him on Friday night - and he was at the game.

"There is still a bit to do to get over the line, and we will see what develops."