Liverpool approach Roberto Martinez

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has reluctantly given Roberto Martinez permission to speak with Liverpool over their vacant managerial post.

The Anfield side are in need of a new head coach after the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group sacked Kenny Dalglish earlier in the week, and have wasted no time in trying to land a replacement.

Martinez has led the Latics out of relegation danger for the second season in a row, and will now talk with the Merseyside club.

“If Liverpool are serious then I may lose him,” Whelan told Sky Sports.

“When they phoned me I was actually with Roberto having a meeting on what we are doing next season.

“I did promise Roberto and I have always said when a big club comes he would have permission to talk to them and they don’t come any bigger than Liverpool.

“I gave him permission and he will be talking to them soon – I don’t know when, but quite soon.

“When Liverpool sacked Kenny I have to say I thought Liverpool would be knocking on the door and sure enough they are.

“I would love to keep him but I have told Roberto he has my permission to speak with Liverpool,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph indicate that a shortlist of up to eight managers has been drawn up for the post, and that Liverpool intend to meet with a number of potential candidates.

Along with Martinez and Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers, Pep Guardiola, Frank de Boer, Didier Deschamps, Jurgen Klopp, Fabio Capello and Andre Villas Boas are believed to be contenders.

By Gareth McKnight

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