Source: Daily_Mail
Wigan boss Martinez determined to keep hold of Figueroa and Scharner
[LNB]Next big thing: Maynor Figueroa celebrates his wonder goal[LNB]Wigan boss Roberto Martinez insists he is not under any pressure to sell full-back Maynor Figueroa in January.[LNB]Following Figueroa's astounding goal at Stoke on Saturday, Martinez hadto play down talk the Honduran might be on his way out of the DW Stadium and nowlong-serving utility man Paul Scharner has been linked with Fulham. [LNB]Although Scharner is a pivotal figure at Wigan, the widespread view is thatMartinez needs to offload players before he can look to bring new faces induring next month's transfer window and a deal could be done.[LNB]However, Martinez insists no pressure is being applied to cut costs by DaveWhelan and the focus remains on getting the most out of the squad currently athis disposal. [LNB]'We are not in a position where we have to sell,' said Martinez, who issupposedly lining up Swansea's Leon Britton as a potential replacement forScharner. [LNB]'I am looking to bring players in during January and I am sure we will do thatbut the focus just now is getting the best from players we already have. [LNB]'You won't hear me rejecting speculation about anyone coming to Wigan becausewe are having to look in a lot of leagues to find the right characters. [LNB]'For us, it is not just about signing good players, it is about making surethe personalities are perfect too. [LNB]'But I am certainly not looking to lose any players in January.' [LNB] Wanted man: Paul Scharner is on Fulham's wishlist[LNB]Whether Wigan would actually resist a big-money offer is open to debate.Figueroa is clearly a man in demand, not least at Sunderland, where Steve Bruceis keen to be reunited with a player he signed from Olimpia for a nominal fee atthe start of 2008. [LNB]However, Martinez feels a move now would be a mistake for the 26-year-old, anda potential distraction just six months before the World Cup begins in SouthAfrica. [LNB]'Maynor is an exceptional footballer,' said Martinez. [LNB]'I would be very surprised if teams didn't want him because he is ready forbig things. [LNB]'But this is a key moment in his career. The World Cup is a few months downthe line and now would not be the wisest time to change. [LNB]'He is a young man and he has enough time to get to the highest level. For nowhe is staying here.' [LNB] Wigan eyeing Colombia striker Martinez and Swansea star Britton Stoke 2 Wigan 2: Keeper Sorensen saves Stoke after Figueroa stunner Was this the Premier League's best goal ever? Figueroa outdoes Beckham with strike from his own half WIGAN ATHLETIC FC
