Martinez given Liverpool decision deadline

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has set a deadline for Roberto Martinez to decide if he wants to become Liverpool manager or not.

The current Latics boss has been approached by the Anfield hierarchy as a possible replacement for the sacked Kenny Dalglish, though Aston Villa are also thought to be looking at Martinez after dismissing Alex McLeish.

The meeting between the Reds’ American owners and Martinez is believed to be taking place at some point in the next two days, according to Sky Sports, but Whelan has instructed the former Swansea City boss to make a decision by June 2 to avoid dragging the issue out.

“Roberto will be in Barbados until next Tuesday, and I will then set a seven-day deadline by which time I will expect a decision,” he is quoted as saying in The Sun.

Whelan is not convinced that Martinez will make the switch to Liverpool and thinks he may well opt to stay with Wigan, where last season he orchestrated a third escape from relegation in as many years.

“I must stress to our supporters that I am by no means resigned to losing Roberto to Liverpool or any other club,” he added.

“He may go, he may not go. That will be up to Roberto and I will respect his decision either way.

“But it is not a foregone conclusion. Not at all. Hand on heart, I still believe Roberto will be here next season.”

The Anfield post obviously does not have the same pull as it used to, as the club were knocked back by Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Ajax’s Frank de Boer when approaching them to discuss the vacant position.