The Latics have made a strong start to the season, with their six-match unbeaten run ended by Middlesbrough on Saturday.

And Whelan said it's inevitable that bigger clubs will be keeping tabs on their star players such as Valencia, who has been linked with Liverpool and is also interesting Manchester United.

"We've got some fantastic young players here and we're going to get some clubs chasing them," he said.

"That's football. If you're a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. We will keep them as long as we can.

"We have a good team and a great spirit. Steve Bruce has instilled belief. The goal from Valencia against Man City was stunning, I know Man United have been watching him."