Whelan expects swift decision as Martinez holds talks with Villa over vacancy

Whelan granted Villa permission to talk to Martinez on Wednesday night about the possibility of taking the helm at the Midlands club.

Martinez is thought to be Villa owner Randy Lerner’s first choice for the position, which was vacated by Gerard Houllier last week, although Bolton’s Owen Coyle has been linked with the role too.

Whelan has shown complete faith in Martinez since he appointed the former Wigan player as manager in 2009, standing by him despite the club’s flirtation with relegation. The Latics chairman says the 37-year-old is free to join Villa if he likes, but is confident of hanging on to his man and has offered the Spaniard a new and improved contract to encourage him to stay.

“I had a good meeting with Roberto yesterday and the decision whether he is going to stay or go is entirely in his hands,” Whelan said. “I will support him whichever way he wants to go.

“I’ve offered him an extension to his contract and a better contract, because his current deal is down to a year.

“I have asked him to make a decision and tell me and the rest of the world, and I think he will be doing that in the next 24 hours.

“My gut feeling is he will stay at Wigan, but he will move in 12 or 18 months or two years, and he will go to one of the top European clubs.”

Despite his record of keeping Wigan in the top flight for two successive years, the Villa job will be a big step up for Martinez should he agree to take charge.

Star striker Darren Bent committed his future to the club last week, but England winger Ashley Young seems likely to leave for Manchester United. Young’s representatives are understood to be in talks with United over a potential move to Old Trafford as he seeks Champions League football.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his current contract.

Stewart Downing also appears to need convincing that his future lies with Villa after refusing to begin talks over a new deal.