Wigan boss Steve Bruce has warned old friend Sir Alex Ferguson he has no intention of selling two of his top stars - but appreciates the lure of Manchester United is irresistible.

Winger Antonio Valencia and midfielder Wilson Palacios have been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford as part of Ferguson's recruitment drive during the close season.

The duo have been integral to Wigan's bid for survival since the arrival at the end of November of Bruce, who has often eulogised about the talent both players possess.

That has led to inevitable speculation regarding their departure, even if Wigan manage to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

If Wigan do survive, Bruce is determined to build this summer, in particular around the likes of Valencia and Palacios, who are only 22 and 23 respectively.

But should Ferguson come calling, Bruce knows he would be virtually powerless to resist.

"There were two Benfica boys mentioned as well (Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso) and they were rated at £15million, while mine were £5million (Valencia) and £3million (Palacios)," said Bruce.

"I think the prices were the wrong way round though! I don't think the chairman (Dave Whelan) would be interested for that sort of money, that's for sure.

"My chairman is a wealthy man, and anybody wanting to buy from us knows they are going to have to dig deep.

"Looking at the figures mentioned, they would have to be a lot more than that before we even considered it.

"They're obviously two of the last players I would want to sell as well. Ideally, we can't afford to let those kind of players go

"We're looking to try and build around these players because they are only young, and they can only improve.

"But come on, we have to be sensible about this. If Man United come knocking at the door, how the hell can you refuse them?

"I'm aware you can't deny somebody like a Manchester United or a Liverpool or a Tottenham.

"This club never wanted to sell (Pascal) Chimbonda, but players want to go and you can understand that, so we have to be realistic as well."

Despite his excellent relationship with Ferguson, even more so in the wake of Wigan's 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Monday, there has been no discussion as yet regarding the two Latics players.

It did, though, prompt a certain degree of mickey-taking from the rest of the squad in training today.

"The fact they have been linked is great for them," added Bruce.

"It (the article) is now on the notice board in the canteen, whilst we made sure Palacios and Valencia had red bibs on this morning in training.

"It's all part of the banter, but certainly at the moment they (United) and us are getting on with the job in hand.

"For them that's winning the Premier League, and for us it's staying in the division."

Bruce has confirmed on-loan defender Erik Hagen is unavailable for Saturday's JJB Stadium clash with Spurs as he has been ill for the last couple of days.