ROBERTO MARTINEZ is expected to today tell Wigan Athletic he wants to leave – with Everton ready to make an official approach for the Spaniard according to the Daily Post
Martinez flies home from a family holiday in his homeland to hold talks over his future with Latics chairman Dave Whelan this afternoon.
It is understood the 39-year-old will inform Wigan of his desire to part ways after their relegation from the Premier League earlier this month.
Martinez, who won the FA Cup with the Latics only days earlier, remains among the front-runners to replace Manchester United-bound David Moyes as Everton manager.
And with his decision scheduled to be announced by Whelan later today, the Goodison outfit will soon have the all-clear to make an approach to interview the Spaniard.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and the board have drawn up a shortlist for the vacant position and have already spoken with internal candidates Phil Neville, Alan Stubbs and David Weir.
They are considering the claims of Cardiff City’s Malky Mackay and Celtic’s Neil Lennon, while Porto manager Vitor Perreira is known to be keen on replacing Moyes.
However, support within the club has been growing for Martinez, not least given how Wigan won 3-0 at Goodison en route to Wembley and the first major trophy in the Latics’ history.
Last summer, Martinez held talks with Liverpool and was courted by Aston Villa before deciding to stay at Wigan.
Listening to Talksport radio today, Gough says, “Everton allow a contract to run down for Moyes getting no money for a manager, that has kept us up the top of the league consistently, whilst Martinez if he comes to Everton, has ton Wigan down, and they will want money to release him”
This doesn’t make sense …?