The England striker was linked with a move to Tottenham during the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise with Heskey insisting his future is with Latics.

However, speculation has continued to linger, with reports in Sunday's press claiming that the 30-year-old could be sold in January.

Whelan has reiterated that Wigan are keen to retain Heskey's services, but concedes the forward could leave if the price is right.

He said in The People: "We don't want Emile to go, but football is football.

"If somebody pays enough money and Emile wants to go we would never try to keep a player.

"We don't want him to leave and he's happy here, but if anything develops Emile will have the final say."