Whelan still wants Martinez

03 June 2009 16:44
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan will continue to pursue Swansea manager Roberto Martinez as he tries to find a replacement for Steve Bruce. [LNB] Bruce was installed as Sunderland boss on Wednesday and although Wigan's initial approach to the south Wales club stalled on Tuesday when they were quoted a fee of ¦pound;2million-plus in compensation, Whelan has not given up hope. [LNB] "He is my number one choice but I have not got permission to talk to him - I need permission from the Swansea chairman (Huw Jenkins) before I can even say hello to Roberto," Whelan told Sky Sports News. [LNB] "I am asking for permission to talk to Roberto Martinez and until I get that permission I can't talk to him. [LNB] "If he (Jenkins) says you've not got permission I've got to look elsewhere." [LNB] Jenkins admits the two parties are "miles apart" in their valuation of the 35-year-old. [LNB] "Wigan asked what compensation we would be looking for and we talked about different figures," he said. "I told them what I valued Roberto at and they told me what they thought - we were miles apart to say the least." [LNB] Martinez is a former Wigan player, having served six seasons there from 1995 to 2001, and Whelan hopes that may have some bearing in his negotiations. [LNB] "He was one of my three amigos at Wigan 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. [LNB] "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."

Source: Eurosport