Whelan revealed Manchester United have also been monitoring his progress.
In a wide-ranging interview, the Latics chairman also revealed:
He is worried about the impact foreign buyers will have on the Premier League.
He would consider new investment into the club – if it was right for Wigan.
Amr Zaki reminds him of Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer in one.

Wigan have made a strong start to the season, with their six-game 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 is interesting 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."

See this week's Wigan Observer for the full interview and all the latics Wigan Athletic news ...