Whelan targets Martinez

03 June 2009 16:25
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has named Swansea manager Roberto Martinez as his number one target to replace Steve Bruce.[LNB]Whelan is on the lookout for a new manager after Bruce joined Sunderland on Wednesday afternoon and had an approach to speak to Martinez, a former Wigan player, rejected by Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins on Tuesday night.[LNB]And although Whelan knows he cannot speak to the 35-year-old without Jenkins' permission, he has not given up hope of the Spaniard making a return to the club.[LNB]"I am asking for permission to talk to Roberto Martinez," he told Sky Sports News. "If the Swansea chairman were to say to me you've got permission to talk to him, I will talk to him. If he says `you've not got permission,' I can't talk to him and I've got to look elsewhere.[LNB]"He was one of my three amigos at Wigan Athletic (the other two being Isidro Diaz and Jesus Seba) when I brought three lads in 10-12 years ago and they revolutionised the football at Wigan Athletic those three boys, and I have got great hopes that 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.[LNB]"He is my number one choice but I have not got permission to talk to him and I think you must state that, I need permission from the Swansea chairman before I can even say hello to Roberto."

Source: Eurosport