Source: SKY_Sports
Whelan wants Martinez at Wigan
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has made Swansea manager Roberto Martinez his leading target to replace Steve Bruce.[LNB] Bruce parted company with the Latics on Wednesday to take over as the new Sunderland manager having moved to the JJB Stadium from Birmingham in November 2007.[LNB]Whelan has already set the wheels in motion to find a replacement, with former Wigan favourite Martinez, one of the club's famed 'Three Amigos', at the top of his hit-list.[LNB]The Latics supremo has approached Swansea counterpart Huw Jenkins for permission to speak with Martinez, but the Welsh club have so far refused as they are not happy with the compensation package on offer.[LNB]Number one choiceWhelan told Sky Sports News: "I have asked for permission to talk to Roberto Martinez. [LNB]"Until I get that permission, I can't talk to him. Once the Swansea chairman says to me I've got permission, I will talk to him. If he tells me I've not got permission, I can't talk to him and we will look elsewhere.[LNB]"I have got great hopes that I can get Roberto Martinez back to Wigan. He is my number one choice, but I've not got permission to talk to him.[LNB]"I need permission from the Swansea chairman before I can even say 'hello' to Roberto."[LNB]FantasticWhelan went on to pay tribute to Bruce after his second stint at the helm of Wigan and bears no grudges over his departure for the Black Cats.[LNB]He added: "I would like to say thank-you to Steve. He has done a fantastic job for Wigan. We are sorry to lose him and we wish him every success at the Stadium of Light.[LNB]"If people want to leave my club, it's a free world and they have to be allowed to do that. He's done a brilliant job for Wigan and now we've got to move on and get a new manager.[LNB]"He's a great manager and he'll do a fantastic job for Sunderland."[LNB]
