Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa close in on Roberto Martinez
ShareThe rise and rise of Roberto Martinez has taken him to the brink of becoming the next Aston Villa manager. [LNB]The Wigan boss spoke to Villa on his return from a break in Barbados and is now in pole position to succeed Gerard Houllier, who left last week because of health problems. [LNB]Martinez, who was given permission by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan to talk to Villa, ticks all the boxes as far as owner Randy Lerner is concerned especially when it comes to working on a tight budget and is set to hold discussions about the vacancy over the next 48 hours.[LNB] Hands on: Wigan boss Martinez ticks all the boxes for Villa[LNB]The American, looking for his third manager in nine months, also had a conversation with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, but was not convinced, especially given Benitez's spending demands.[LNB]Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner told the club's official website on Thursdy morning: 'The Club is conscious of the keen interest in developments over the appointment of our new manager.[LNB]'When the process has reached an appropriate point we can assure our fans that we will be clear and forthright.[LNB]'We are focused right now on trying to secure the best candidate who will complement the Club's commitment to being true to our heritage, competitiveness and passionate fan base.'[LNB]Significantly, Lerner cancelled a meeting with former England coach Steve McClaren because of fans' reaction to his possible availability. [LNB]Now it remains to be seen whether Martinez is able to tear himself away from a club dear to his heart after an association that goes back 16 years, to when he was a player. [LNB] Close relationship: Whelan congratulates Martinez following Wigan's scrape with relegation[LNB]'I'd be surprised if he is Villa's new manager,' said Whelan. 'I have made it clear to him that I will be extending his contract. [LNB]'Villahave acted above board and in a totally professional manner throughout.They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission.'[LNB]At 37, Martinez is the Barclays Premier League's youngest manager. His dream move to the top flight came after he led Swansea to the League One title in 2008. [LNB]Whelan invited him to take over at the DW Stadium in 2009 and since then he has maintained Wigan's status and increased his reputation as a coach. More importantly, he has helped Wigan become Villa's bogey team, which captured the attention of Lerner. [LNB] Out of the running: McClaren[LNB]McClaren had started the day as favourite to succeed Houllier, only to find he was no longer required for an interview. It appears the avalanche of negative reaction stunned Villa into a rethink. [LNB]Redemptionfor the man dubbed the Wally with the Brolly after failing to take England to the 2008 European Championship finals must wait a little longer.[LNB]That left the two Spaniards, Benitez and Martinez, as the only matadors in the Bull Ring.[LNB]Benitez, 51, has been touting for a job back in the Premier League since his six-month tenure at Inter Milan ended disastrously in December. [LNB]Martinez is fresh, young, and knows about modest budgets after Swansea and Wigan. He and Villa could be a marriage made in heaven. [LNB] Fergie 2 Kop 0: United boss snaps up Phil Jones... and now for Ashley YoungLerner will not stand in Young's way as move to Manchester United nearsAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Rafa Benitez, Dave Whelan, Gerard Houllier, Steve McClaren, Roberto Martinez Places: Liverpool, United Kingdom, Barbados
