Martinez free to pursue Villa talks

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as a front-runner for the vacancy at Aston Villa after being given permission to hold talks with the club, it was reported Thursday. Wigan owner Dave Whelan confirmed to the Daily Telegraph that the Latics had given a green light for Martinez to speak to Villa, who are seeking to replace Gerard Houllier after the Frenchman stood down for health reasons. Martinez joins a long list of managers who have been linked to the post including former Fulham manager Mark Hughes, ex-England coach Steve McClaren, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti. Whelan said although he was happy for Martinez to speak to Villa, he was confident that the respected 37-year-old Spaniard would remain at Wigan. "Aston Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner," Whelan told The Daily Telegraph. "They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission. "He arrived back yesterday and I presume he has spoken to Villa. I have made it clear to him I will be extending his contract. "I have never let him down on anything and he has never let me down. I know I can never say never in football, but I would be very surprised if he is Aston Villa's new manager." Meanwhile reports said Villa had opted against interviewing McClaren because of negative feedback from fans based on his disastrous stint as England manager.