Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Liverpool have been given permission to discuss their managerial vacancy with Roberto Martinez.
Latics allow coach to discuss Anfield post
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Liverpool have been given permission to discuss their managerial vacancy with Roberto Martinez.
The Reds took the decision to part with Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish on Wednesday.
He helped the club to Carling Cup glory in 2011/12, but paid the price for a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
Having freed up the position, Liverpool announced that they would not be rushing their recruitment process.
They made it clear that it was their intention to find the 'right candidate of the right quality'.
The Anfield board have, however, wasted no time in making an approach to top-flight rivals Wigan for Martinez.
Sky Sports sources understand that Martinez is one of a number of candidates Liverpool are considering for the role, but is the first to be contacted.
Talks
Martinez has also been linked with Aston Villa in the wake of Alex McLeish's departure, but Latics chairman Whelan has attempted to quash those rumours.
He believes his manager is destined for big things and has maintained that he would not stand in the Spaniard's way if a bigger club came calling.
Liverpool consider Martinez, who has helped to cement Wigan as a Premier League outfit, as an ideal candidate to guide them forward and Whelan concedes that he may be about to part with the services of a highly-rated young coach.
"When they phoned me, I was actually with Roberto and having a meeting about what to do next season," he told
Sky Sports News HD.
"I have always said that when a big club comes he will have permission to talk to them - and Liverpool, they don't come any bigger than Liverpool.
"When Liverpool sacked Kenny, I thought that Liverpool would be knocking on the door and sure enough they are.
"I gave him permission and he will be talking to them soon. I don't know when, but it will be quite soon."
Heart
Whelan admits he would like to keep Martinez at the DW Stadium and continue with their productive working relationship, but he understands why Liverpool have identified him as a leading candidate for their hot-seat.
He added: "For Wigan Athletic, I would love to keep him. For Roberto, he has the opportunity to go and manage a massive club in Liverpool. The decision will be entirely Roberto's.
"We did speak about Liverpool. Liverpool have undergone some changes in the last two years, massive changes, and I still think they have to settle down as a football club.
"When we have been there playing them, there is no heart in the club at present. It's a little bit disturbing when you think that a football club as big as Liverpool is functioning without a heart. I mentioned that to Roberto.
"We have to sit and wait and see what Roberto decides."
