Source: SKY_Sports
Whelan rejects Swans criticism
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan remains confident of appointing Roberto Martinez 'in the next one or two days'.[LNB] Martinez was expected to be presented as Steve Bruce's successor on Thursday but there was a delay due to a compensation wrangle with Swansea.[LNB]The Swans had agreed a fee for Martinez's release but were unhappy that no extra money had been offered for assistant manager Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves.[LNB]Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has described the situation as 'unfair' and 'disrespectful' but Whelan maintains that Wigan have done nothing wrong.[LNB]Whelan's argument is that Martinez's backroom staff would not want to stay behind at the Liberty Stadium.[LNB]"We had agreed a deal with Roberto over the weekend and everything was finalised yesterday," he explained on Sky Sports News.[LNB]"We had agreed compensation with Swansea for taking Roberto and then suddenly we get a telephone call saying that we had to pay compensation for certain members of his staff who want to join us.[LNB]Gentleman"We didn't expect that and we don't think we should have to pay that. We have been fair with Swansea.[LNB]"Roberto is a gentleman and has gone back to Swansea to speak with the chairman to see if it can be resolved as soon as possible.[LNB]"I think it is most unfair of the chairman to say that we have done anything wrong. We have done everything within the rules and regulations."[LNB]Whelan insists that he only wants Martinez and would not be concerned if his assistants stayed at Swansea.[LNB]He said: "I am not bothered if the other three don't come. If Swansea want to keep them then let them stay there, if the chairman can persuade them to work for him.[LNB]"I have agreed everything with Roberto and I expect everything to be ironed out over the next one or two days."[LNB]ValenciaMeanwhile, Whelan accepts that Antonio Valencia could join Manchester United after a deal was struck for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford and join Real Madrid.[LNB]United have accepted an offer of £80million from Real and Valencia has emerged as a possible replacement for the Portuguese winger.[LNB]Whelan said: "Sir Alex has been watching Antonio throughout the season. They have shown quite a lot of interest and this deal with Ronaldo may trigger things or may not.[LNB]"Sir Alex is the shrewdest man in football and if he comes for Antonio he will pay us a fair fee."[LNB]A figure between £16million and £20million has been mentioned and Whelan has no plans to ask for more in the wake of the Ronaldo deal.[LNB]"You cannot do that to Fergie," he concluded.[LNB]