It has been expected since January and now it seems that if Valencia plays on Sunday, it will be his last game for the club with Madrid making their interest official with the club. Representatives of Madrid were present in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and it appears that a bid was made either after, or before, the match took place.
Valencia's agent Diego Herrera has stated that it would be difficult for Antonio to stay at the club, with Champions League ambitions in the mind of the former Villareal man. "Wigan revealed last week that there has been an offer from Real Madrid but they haven't told me any details about it," Herrera told PA Sport. "I don't know how much the offer is and I haven't yet talked to anyone from Madrid about details of a contract so I don't know how long they would want him for.
"Wigan have not confirmed anything to me about Manchester United's interest.
"I know there are other clubs interested but as far as I know there's nothing official.
"I have yet to sit down with Antonio and see what he wants. We've not yet talked about which club he would prefer.
"Honestly I think it's really difficult that he remains at Wigan. I would anticipate that he leaves this summer. We have to see what will happen in the next few weeks. We're not in any rush."
A replacement for Valencia is already being hunted for with Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant on Steve Bruce's wish list. Pennant should play at the JJB on Sunday for Portsmouth and it could be a quick return for the former Birmingham City midfielder.
Other gossip news is that Paul Scharner wants to leave in the summer, in order to play European football before his number is up. It was always expected when he signed a 2-year-deal last summer. If the club had finished in a Europa League spot, Scharner could well have stayed but the season has faded away and the club will have to push on for next season with renewed optimism.
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