Wigan prepare for Tottenham bid for striker Hugo Rodallega

Hugo Rodallega will be out of contract in the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan was today bracing himself for a last-minute bid from Spurs for striker Hugo Rodallega, despite the two sides meeting at White Hart Lane tonight.

Whelan is accustomed to Tottenham signing his players as Pascal Chimbonda moved to north London on transfer deadline day in August 2006, whilst Wilson Palacios also joined Spurs in January 2009.

With Rodallega out of contract in the summer, Whelan concedes he is one player the Latics could decide to cash in on as they seek to recoup the initial £4.5million outlay made in December 2008.

"We are used to Tottenham making a last minute bid on transfer deadline day, and by last minute, I mean the very last minute," Whelan told ESPNsoccernet.

"I have seen Spurs linked with Rodallega for some time, but we have not received a bid, not even an inquiry as far as I know.

"That doesn't mean they won't make a bid, but if they do they always leave it late, very late."

That could even materialise after the game, with Whelan adding: "It might make sense to cash in now.

"But if he stays with us to the end of the season he can help us stay up, which would be worth far more than a transfer fee."

Whelan, meanwhile, has confirmed Rodallega had been scheduled to join Fulham in a swap deal for Andy Johnson, only for the latter to pull out of the deal.

"I've no idea why Johnson said no. I think he didn't fancy coming north," said Whelan.

"It would have been a good deal for us, but that's football."

PA