A national newspaper claimed Latics and United had a 'moral agreement' over an £18m switch to Old Trafford for the Honduras international in January or at the end of the season.

While the Wigan boss accepts 23-year-old Palacios is more than likely to leave the JJB Stadium for a bigger club in the not too distant future, he insists no deal is in place.

Bruce told the Evening Post: "I'm never going to be able to stop speculation like that as everyone knows my connections with United. But there is no deal done, I can tell you that.

"The way Wilson has been playing, he is going to attract the attention of other clubs.
"But certainly nothing is in place at Christmas or next summer."

This is the second time Palacios has been strongly linked with United – Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly showed an interest towards the end of last season.

Latics have him under contract for three years – the central midfielder agreed an improved deal before the start of the season.
But Bruce is realistic enough to accept if a club the size of United come knocking, they will get their man.

The same applies to Antonio Valencia who was linked at the weekend with a January move to Liverpool, possibly in a deal which would see Jermaine Pennant come to Wigan.

With the transfer window another three months away, Bruce's main concern with Palacios and Valencia for now is getting them back in one piece from international duty.

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