Martinez looks to homeland for new recruits

24 June 2009 08:27
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez seems likely to return to Spain as he continues to strengthen his squad but he has not ruled out moves closer to home. The 35-year-old has already recruited Jordi Gomez from Espanyol, having had the midfielder on loan at Swansea last season, and he is prepared to return to his former club for more signings. Martinez has already contacted Swansea about striker Jason Scotland, although no official approach has yet been made. Barclays Premier League newcomers Burnley have reportedly already had one bid turned down for the Trinidad and Tobago international but Wigan would be in pole position should they decide to make a move. "I have had a chat with Wigan about Jason Scotland," Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the South Wales Evening Post. "They have not made an offer, but they have asked to be kept informed of Jason's situation." Wigan chairman Dave Whelan expects to be able to deliver the targets Martinez has outlined to him. "We got our priority list from Roberto, and we are working hard on it," he said. "Jordi Gomez was right at the top and we moved very quickly on that, and we are moving on others as well. But there are a lot of players away on holiday - and I think the market will only rev up in about a week or 10 days." Whelan hinted that some of those signings are likely to come from Spain. "Roberto lives for football, and his knowledge of the Spanish league is unbelievable," he told the Wigan Evening Post. "He knows all the players - how they play, where they play - he has just got it."

Source: Eurosport