United eye £18m move for midfielder

Manchester United are eyeing an £18 million move for Wigan midfielder Wilson Palacios, according to reports.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be ready to test Wigan's resolve by making a bid for the Honduras international when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Palacios has been one of the Latics' most impressive players so far this season and speculation suggests that the United boss is even prepared to wait until next summer to sign the midfielder if he fails in the New Year.

But Wigan manager Steve Bruce seems certain to put up a fight to keep hold of Palacios as he attempts to build on his side's encouraging start to the new campaign.

A close pal of Palacios told The Sun newspaper: "You know the rapport between Steve Bruce and Alex Ferguson. They're very close."