Martinez set for Wigan talks

Latics gain permission to speak with Swansea boss

Last updated: 4th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Martinez set for Wigan talks

Martinez: Wigan talks

MANAGER SPECIALS
Sky Bet have suspended betting on the next Wigan manager, with Swansea's Roberto Martinez appearing to be in pole position. Football compiler Mike Triffitt said: "Now that Swansea have given Martinez permission, it looks a done deal. "He was the obvious favourite being an ex-Wigan player and it was only the fact that he was being talked about for next Celtic manager that stopped him from being odds on at the start." See manager specials.

Related links

Teams

Also see

Wigan are set to appoint Roberto Martinez as their new manager after being given permission to speak to the Swansea boss.

The Latics have now agreed a compensation package with the Liberty Stadium outfit and Martinez will hold talks to discuss personal terms.

Former Wigan favourite Martinez, one of the club's famed 'Three Amigos', has impressed hugely during his time at the helm of the Swans.

Latics chairman Dave Whelan confirmed on Wednesday that the Spaniard was his top target to replace Steve Bruce, who quit the club to take charge at Sunderland.

Delighted

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins had previously stated that the two clubs were some distance apart on a compensation deal, but with an agreement now reached Martinez is on course to take over the Premier League club.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Wigan Athletic Football Club can announce that it has been given permission by Swansea City Football Club to speak to their manager Roberto Martinez about the vacant manager's position.

"A compensation deal has also been agreed, and now Wigan Athletic's chief executive Brenda Spencer will meet with Roberto as soon as possible to try and 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."