Wigan chief Dave Whelan targets cut-price deal for Argentine striker

Wigan supremo Dave Whelan is trying to seal a cut-price deal for Villarreal striker Marco Ruben, after being put off by the £7million asking price.

Whelan has now stepped in to attempt to slash the fee - or even to broker a deal to take the Argentinian on loan for the rest of the season.

The Latics chairman is worried about the size of the investment in a player who has spent this season in Villarreal's B team and is a virtual unknown.

The dispute is threatening to wreck the deal and could even put a strain on the relationship between Whelan and manager Roberto Martinez if it collapses.