It's the mirror, but still.....
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...9520-20408186/
by Alan Nixon
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will offer French striker Louis Saha - plus cash - to Wigan in a bid for livewire Luis Antonio Valencia.
The clubs meet in a final-day showdown that will settle the Premier League title, and could be doing business shortly afterwards in a swap deal.
Ferguson is eager to beat Liverpool and other top clubs in the chase for Ecuador international winger Valencia, who has been a major hit for Wigan this season.
Valencia, 22, provided another demonstration of his power with two goals to beat Aston Villa at the weekend.
Saha, out of favour and not in the long-term plans at Old Trafford, is to be thrown into the mix in a bid to make the United package bigger than Liverpool's.
Saha barely figured in United's side in the second half of this campaign, with his injury problems frustrating Ferguson. He was not in on the end-of-season lap of honour on Saturday and will be shipped out after signing off with five goals in 24 appearances.
Fergie hopes Steve Bruce will be interested in the forward and that could help clinch a move for Valencia, with Wigan resigned to losing him in a £10million tug-of-war.
Saha may need to be persuaded that Wigan is the right move for him and his wages will also stretch owner Dave Whelan's coffers at the JJB Stadium.
Valencia would relish a job at United, and the guarantee of regular Champions League football.
Liverpool have expressed an interest in the South American and followed up with a firm inquiry.
But Rafa Benitez is not willing to meet the asking price and they do not have many players who could be makeweights.
Valencia seems certain to make his farewell appearance for Wigan against United on Sunday. And it would be no surprise to see the deal done behind closed doors after the final whistle.
- So these rumours of us plundering Wigan are gathering steam. Is Fergie working the rumour mill or do you think Palacios and Valencia are genuine man Utd standard?
What if Fergie IS trying to use the rumour mill to unsettle Wigan, but it backfires on him, because they will be wanting to strut their stuff now that they are in the shopping window, much like Tevez last season?
