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Bruce not in the selling mood
Topic Started: Jan 21 2008, 07:39 AM (225 Views)
MUFC Manchester United
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League Two
Steve Bruce has warned potential suitors to forget any raid on Wigan as he has vowed to keep his squad together.

A number of Latics players have been linked with a move away from the JJB Stadium since the transfer window opened at the start of the month.

In particular, speculation has surrounded Jason Koumas, while the Latics recently rejected an offer from Fulham for centre-back Paul Scharner.

It has also been suggested former Wigan boss Paul Jewell is keen to take defender Emmerson Boyce to Derby.

As far as Bruce is concerned, though, he is more than happy with the team he has inherited from Jewell and sees no reason for any player to leave.

"I haven't heard anything about Emmerson Boyce, and we rejected a bid from Fulham for Paul Scharner a week ago," confirmed the Latics manager.

"I keep reading about Jason Koumas and others, but then it's the funny season and there's going to be speculation.

"But the last thing I want to do at the moment is try and change anything because we're on a good run.

"The squad has grown in confidence, so I don't want to do anything stupid just now. I'm pleased with what we've got."

The confidence stems from the fact Wigan have taken a healthy 12 points from a possible 24 since Bruce's arrival to move out of the bottom three.

Just a few weeks ago, Sunday's visit of Everton would have been viewed as a likely away win for David Moyes' side who are challenging for a place in the top four.

But as Bruce added: "Thankfully that's not the case now.

"We seem to have turned it round but, as I keep saying to everyone here, we've done well, but we've not done anything yet.

"All we've done is given ourselves a chance on the back of a good run which we've managed to maintain.

"There's confidence now, a little bit of spirit and belief which you obviously need."

Bruce strengthened his squad yesterday with the £500,000 capture of left-back Erik Edman from Rennes, who is likely to go straight into the side to face the Toffees.

Edman will take over at left-back from Kevin Kilbane, who will resume his more customary left-wing role, in what is likely to be the only change from the team that won at Derby last Saturday.

Despite Edman's capture, yesterday's more crucial signing was that of a player who has spent the last 16 months at the JJB Stadium.

Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia has penned a permanent three-and-a-half-year contract having joined Wigan on loan from Villareal in August 2006.

Bruce believes Valencia is one of the best wingers he has seen and worked with, while the 21-year-old has hailed the manager's impact since his arrival.

"The Premier League is a fantastic place to play and I have really enjoyed working with Steve Bruce," said Valencia.

"You can see how motivated the team is now, and I think he will be successful here in the seasons to come."
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