Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has said that Liverpool have been given the permission to speak with his manager Roberto Martinez. Liverpool recently sacked Kenny Dalglish from his post after a very poor season in the league.

Even though the club enjoyed Carling cup success, which was the first major trophy after six years, it is thought that the new owners of Liverpool have been extremely disappointed that they have once again failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool have been out of the Premier European competition for three seasons now, which has severely impacted their finances. Roberto Martinez has emerged as one of the potential contenders for the job alongside former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

It is also thought that Liverpool have also looked at the possibility of bringing former Barcelona manager Guardiola, who will step down from his post after a few weeks. Dave Whelan has said that he has always been supportive of Roberto Martinez. He even gave the manager the permission to speak with Aston Villa last summer, but Martinez turned down the opportunity. However, now it is thought that he would finally bring his three-year spell with Wigan to an end by moving to a bigger club, but it remains to be seen if it is Liverpool or not.

“I was with Roberto when they phoned. I have always said when a big club comes I will give permission and they don’t come any bigger than Liverpool. I gave them permission and he will be talking to Liverpool soon,” said Dave Whelan in his interview given to Sky Sports. Former England manager Fabio Capello has also said that he would be interested in taking the job. The former England manager is out of work after resigning from his post back in March.