Martinez: Catt happiness is key

31 July 2009 11:56
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes keeping Lee Cattermole happy is the biggest factor in hanging onto the much sought-after midfielder. Sunderland have already bid for the 21-year-old and Liverpool are poised to step up their interest after Real Madrid target Xabi Alonso handed in a transfer request. But Wigan are in a healthy financial position having sold winger Antonio Valencia to Manchester United for £16million. And rather than reiterating their desire to keep Cattermole, Martinez reckons the Latics must focus on making sure the England Under 21 international has no desire to leave. "We are in a very strong position in that we don't have to sell - and there are not many football clubs in that situation," Martinez told the Evening Post. "I'm delighted we don't have to lose any player to balance the books. That's probably as good as any signing we'll make this season. "You are always going to get interest in players who have played extremely well last season - that is absolutely normal. Motivated "But we want to build a team around certain players who will be vital to us. "Lee Cattermole is a perfectionist and a winner, and I am not surprised at all that he has such an interest in his services. "We don't have to keep saying we want to keep him here, but what we have to do is keep him excited and keep him motivated. "He is still a very young man but he is a special player and it is a joy to watch him play football." Cattermole shone for Wigan last season after leaving hometown club Middlesbrough. The rising star then enhanced his growing reputation with some impressive performances for England's Under 21s as they reached the final of the European Championship this summer. Wigan are now hoping they can help Cattermole make the senior squad in time for next summer's World Cup. World Cup target"Lee is our player and my job is to make sure he continues to enjoy his football," Martinez added. "First of all we want him to be an important player for Wigan Athletic, and secondly we want him to get into the England squad for the World Cup. "He has a great future ahead of him and we hope that everyone here can enjoy Lee's football for a long, long time to come." The continued presence of Cattermole would be crucial to the Wigan squad. Reinforcements Martinez has already bolstered it with the signings of Jordi Gomez, Hendry Thomas, Jason Scotland and James McCarthy, and there could be more new arrivals before the transfer window shuts. "We have until August 31, and it is our job to improve the squad of players we have got, and help the players we have to be stronger," said the Latics boss. "We will try to do that because you can never have enough good players to help you in the Premier League."

Source: SKY_Sports