Heskey is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and the news may force potential buyers, including Liverpool and Aston Villa, to look elsewhere.
Heskey limped off in the weekend win over Bolton and must undergo a scan to reveal the full extent of his latest hamstring injury.
Both Liverpool and Villa were poised to make £4m offers for Heskey but it now looks as if he will see out the remaining months of his contract at Wigan and leave in the summer.
Manager Steve Bruce who is desperate to retain Heskey, admits: “We have no idea yet how long Emile is going to be out but he will definitely not play against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Friday night.
“The good thing is that we have had no bids for him, or anyone else for that matter, and I just hope that continues all through January.”
Speculation
Meanwhile, Bruce has spoken to Antonio Valencia as speculation mounts in Spain that Real Madrid are poised to make a £15m bid for the 23-year-old Ecuadorian winger.
Bruce adds: “I’ve told Antonio it is all speculation as we haven’t had any bid. The big clubs are constantly watching us and this shows what good players we have at Wigan.”
Bruce is naturally reluctant to see the break-up of what he believes to be Wigan’s strongest and best-ever Premiership squad.
Chairman Dave Whelan has, however, stated in the past Wigan would never stand in the way of any player should the chance to sign for a top club come up.
Veteran keeper Mike Pollitt is again on stand-by for the Cup trip to White Hart Lane. Pollitt played against Bolton after Chris Kirkland injured his back in the warm-up.
Meanwhile, the Latics are close to completing the signing of Colombian striker Hugh Rodallega in a £4.5m deal from Mexican club Necaxa subject to the 23-year-old striker being granted a work permit.
Ryan Taylor, meanwhile, continues to be linked with Bolton and Hull City have also expressed an interest.
Latics’ in-form central defender Titus Bramble believes Wigan will kick on in the second half of the season and says: “I’m sure we can finish in the top half.
“We keep churning out results and we’ve had a very good Christmas. There’s a great belief in the dressing room, the best atmosphere I’ve experienced here and that’s down to the manager.”
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