Roberto Martinez to hold talks with Wigan

04 June 2009 14:16
Martinez spent six years as a player at Wigan until 2001 and has seen his stock soar since guiding Swansea to the verge of the Championship play-offs, 12 months after winning the League One title, and vaunted for their offensive, passing style. Wigan owner Dave Whelan has made no secret of his admiration for the work done by Martinez at Liberty Stadium, claiming the Spaniard is his 'number one choice'. The 35-year-old Martinez held talks with Jenkins last night when he was expected to voice his preference for Wigan, following Bruce's departure to Sunderland, over Glasgow. Celtic made an approach for Martinez last week, but Whelan said he was hopeful that an emotional attachment would take him back to the north-west. 'He was one of my 'Three Amigos' when I brought three lads in 10-12 years ago (the others were Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz) and they revolutionised the football at Wigan,' Whelan said. 'I have great hopes I can get Roberto Martinez back to Wigan but he's done so well for Swansea and if Swansea refuse permission I'll have to look elsewhere.' Jenkins insisted yesterday the two parties were 'miles apart' in their valuation – but that chasm appears now to have been bridged. A statement from Wigan read: 'Wigan can announce that it has been given permission by Swansea to speak to their manager Roberto Martinez about the vacant manager's position. 'A compensation deal has also been agreed and now Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer will meet with Roberto as soon as possible to try to agree a deal to bring him to the club. 'As chairman Dave Whelan stated yesterday, Roberto is our number-one choice and we are delighted to have permission to speak with him.'

Source: Telegraph