Whelan turns heat up on Martinez

Liverpool managerial front-runner Roberto Martinez is due to have further talks with the Merseyside club's owners on Tuesday, but Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is trying to force the issue by bringing forward the date he wants a decision from his manager.

Last week, Whelan said he would give the Spaniard until June 5 to make up his mind, with the Spaniard returning from his holidays on Tuesday. However, Whelan has now said he wants to know by this Thursday what Martinez's plans are.

"Roberto has told me he is speaking with Liverpool again on Tuesday," Whelan told ESPN. "I have now made it clear that I want this sorted out by Thursday at the latest as we have to get on preparing for next season."

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