Aston Villa target Charles N’Zogbia will not be sold on the cheap

Latics chief has warned clubs looking to make a bid for the French international that they will have to meet the player's price tag if a deal is to be done this summer

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has warned that it may take a bid of around £20 million to sign in-demand winger Charles N’Zogbia.

As Goal.com exclusively revealed last week, Aston Villa have joined the race to sign the French midfielder as Stewart Downing attempts to force through his move to Liverpool.

However, despite Wigan’s admission of having to sell N’Zogbia due to his contract expiring in a year’s time, Whelan is adamant the France international will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

"I see some players being sold for £20m or £30m and Zoggy's better," Whelan was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"We’ve had bids but they’re nowhere near our valuation."

The 25-year-old has become a vital part of the Wigan team in his two-and-a-half years at the club, making 90 appearances and scoring 18 goals.

He also played a part in Wigan’s successful bid for survival last season, scoring five goals in the last six games of the campaign, including a last-minute winner against relegation rivals West Ham.