Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes Roberto Martinez will reject Aston Villa advances but concedes he will leave one day

Roberto Martinez, Wigan (PA)

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Wigan chairman Dave Whelan remains optimistic that his manager Roberto Martinez will decide to stay at the club, despite allowing him to talk to Aston Villa about the vacant managerial post.

Martinez is thought to be top of Villa owner Randy Lerner’s wishlist following the departure of Gerard Houllier over health concerns.

Speaking to ESPNsoccernet, Whelan said: “I had a long chat with Roberto last night, and I think he will stay with Wigan, but I have left it to Roberto to make the final decision.”

Despite Wigan only narrowly escaping relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, Whelan sees big things to come from the Spanish manager.

“I do believe that Roberto will go, one day, but it will be to a very big club in Europe, he is top drawer. But having had my meeting with him, I would be surprised if he was to leave, but it is up to him.”

Martinez has twelve months left to run on his contract at the DW Stadium, and Whelan admits he would not stop him from talking to other clubs.

“Contracts exist, the rules are in place, and I could have refused permission for my manager to talk to Villa, but that is not the way I go about things.

“I do believe that Roberto will go, one day, but it will be to a very big club in Europe, he is top drawer. But having had my meeting with him, I would be surprised if he was to leave, but it is up to him.”

Martinez is thought to be in contention for the Villa Park post after Lerner abandoned his interest in former England coach Steve McClaren.