Martinez keen to keep big names

05 July 2011 07:30

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez accepts his star players are likely to attract more interest in the summer transfer window, but is confident the squad will be stronger in August than it is now.

Winger Charles N'Zogbia continues to be linked with a number of clubs - as he has been for the last three windows - while midfielder James McCarthy and striker Hugo Rodallega also have their suitors.

"At the moment it is very straightforward: we are very strong in our squad, we have got very good numbers," said Martinez.

His next move into the market after Monday's signing of Ali Al Habsi is to find a replacement for midfielder Tom Cleverley, who impressed on loan from Manchester United but seems unlikely to return for a second season.

"Ali was our first priority but now Tom Cleverly has gone back to Manchester United that is another position we have to strengthen," added Martinez.

"But even then I feel we have a group of youngsters who will get a chance in pre-season and if they are as strong as I suspect them to be we will have a good squad.

"We've had no offers (for his players) but I am sure there is a lot of interest in our top performers - and rightly so, we will take that as a compliment.

"But we are looking forward to finishing the window in a stronger position than we started and that is why we work so hard behind the scenes to get ready."

Source: PA