Chimbonda reveals desire

Wigan's wantaway defender Pascal Chimbonda has revealed his desire to play in Europe.

Wigan's wantaway defender Pascal Chimbonda has revealed his desire to play in Europe facilitated his transfer request.

Tottenham are on the trail of Chimbonda, who was the shock inclusion in Raymond Domenech's French World Cup squad announced on Sunday, but Spurs failed with a £2 million enquiry.

Chimbonda handed in his request minutes after the final match of the season and the Frenchman's move infuriated Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who immediately slapped a £6 million price tag on the player.

And the former Bastia ace's subsequent promotion to the full France set-up is sure to boost the value of a player The Latics signed for just £500,000 less than a year ago.

The likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Chimbonda although it is Spurs who are thought to be in the driving seat to land the right back amid reports they are set to table an increased offer.

Chimbonda admits he is desperate for a new challenge after helping The Latics to a mid-table finish following promotion last summer and the thought of playing in Europe is an attractive one to the player.

"My chairman has already set the fee at £6 million," the 27-year-old told L'Equipe. "Of course I want to try something else because you can't experience twice the same season.

"But more than that I want to play in Europe."