The England international recently pledged his future to the northern club despite a number of reports linking him with a shock move to fellow Premier League side Tottenham.
Spurs were reportedly ready to table a bid for the 30-year-old striker, who signed for The Latics two years ago, so far making 65 league appearances and scoring 13 times in the process.
Despite the show of loyalty, Whelan confessed to being not completely convinced that the 30-year-old would be able to persist in resisting a big move at this stage of his career.
“We don’t want Emile to go, but football is football,” said the Wigan chief.
“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.”
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