Wigan close in on deal for Swansea boss Martinez

Wigan Athletic have been given permission to hold talks with Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez over the vacant manager's job at the JJB Stadium, as the Spaniard closes in on a move to the club.

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Martinez: Wigan's game with Spurs has been put back 24 hours.

Martinez, also being targeted by Celtic, played for Wigan for six years and immediately became chairman Dave Whelan's number one choice to replace Steve Bruce when it became clear he would depart for Sunderland.

The Spanish coach, who spent most of his playing career in the English league with Walsall, Swansea and Chester City, has become one of the most highly regarded young coaches in England. He masterminded Swansea's return to the Championship where the Welsh club narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season and won the League One title 12 months ago.

A statement from the Latics read: "Wigan can announce that it has been given permission by Swansea to speak to their manager Roberto Martinez about the vacant manager's position.

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

Swansea are thought to want in the region of £2m in compensation for the 35-year-old.

Swansea, whose chairman Huw Jenkins met with Martinez on Thursday morning following his return from holiday, have also confirmed the talks will go ahead after Whelan met their valuation.

The club said in a statement: "Swansea City can confirm that they have reluctantly given Wigan Athletic permission to speak to Roberto Martinez about the vacant manager's position at the JJB Stadium.

"Permission was granted when Wigan's offer of compensation reached the appropriate level set by Swansea City, and was only given when taking into account Roberto's own wishes.''

"He was one of my 'Three Amigos' when I brought three lads in 10-12 years ago (the others were Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz) and they revolutionised the football at Wigan,'' Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"I have great hopes I can get Roberto Martinez back to Wigan but he's done so well for Swansea.''

Bruce has been joined at the Stadium of Light by assistant Eric Black, goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink and reserve team boss Keith Bertschin.