Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan confirms Aston Villa given permission to speak to Roberto Martinez over vacant manager’s job

Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic

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Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has revealed that he has given Aston Villa permission to speak to Roberto Martinez over the vacant manager’s post at the Midlands club.

Gerard Houllier recently had to vacate the managerial hotseat at Villa Park due to health problems and a number of candidates have since been linked with the position.

Villa owner Randy Lerner reportedly called off negotiations with former England boss Steve McClaren after a backlash from fans and while Mark Hughes and Rafael Benitez have also been mooted, Martinez now appears to have emerged as the club’s No.1 candidate.

“I’d be surprised if he is Villa’s new manager,” he said.

“I have made it clear to him that I will be extending his contract.

“Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner throughout. They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission.”