Steve Bruce has admitted it is 'inevitable' that Antonio Valencia will leave Wigan Athletic in the summer.
The Latics manager revealed that Real Madrid look certain to renew their interest after a failed bid in January with a representative due to fly in to watch the winger in action at the JJB Stadium against Manchester United on Wednesday.
The Red Devils are said to be another interested party but as yet Bruce says that no offers have been made.
The Ecuador international is expected to be sold to the highest bidder once the season is over with Bruce looking to use the sale to bring in new players in the summer.
"It's inevitable Antonio will leave, but where he goes I'm not quite sure," he said.
"There are no deals done at all. I keep reading that one, but nothing's been done.
"I believe someone from Real Madrid is flying in for today's game and I've also heard the Germans - Bayern Munich have been knocking on the door too.
"Whether that is true, I don't know."
huge profit
Whatever fee the Latics receive for the 23-year-old they are likely to make a huge profit after they signed the winger from relative obscurity in August 2006.
After an initial loan spell Bruce made the deal permanent in January last year and he now has the job of unearthing another gem to replace the winger.
"At the end of the season I'll sit down and have a chat with Antonio. But I know it will be difficult to keep him," he added.
"We've then got the task of trying to unearth another one. We cannot buy the finished article here, we have to buy potential and work on them."
Meanwhile, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes former Red Devil Bruce will be the prime candidate to replace United manager Sir Alex Ferguson when he retires.
"Steve Bruce in my mind is the No.1 to replace Sir Alex," said Whelan. "I'd hate to lose him but it would be wonderful for Steve and wonderful for United."
Ferguson has not set a retirement date, and Whelan hopes it will not be in the near future.
"It is all on when Sir Alex retires. He is so good. He looks better than ever," added the Wigan supremo.
"He has got that glint in his eye and he is looking like he is enjoying every minute of it. I hope he carries on for another three or four years."
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