WIgan brace themselves for player raids.

Steve Bruce is reported to be considering bidding for several Wigan players as he seeks to stregnthen his new squad.

Cattermole, Valencia and Bramble are believed to be on Bruce’s shopping list.All three have prospered under Bruce this season and with his obvious financial power, Wigan would struggle to compete if bids are made.

Bruce’s inside knowledge of wages and release clauses is also a cause for concern at Wigan, as this would enable him to tailor his bids to ensure the players have permission to speak to Sunderland.

Wigan, who have a small sqaud could ill afford to lose players of this quality.