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Liverpool make Martinez approach

Roberto Martinez kept Wigan in the Premier League with a scintillating late-season run © PA Photos

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Liverpool have been allowed to speak to Wigan manager Roberto Martinez about the vacancy at Anfield created by Kenny Dalglish's sacking.

Martinez's reputation received a huge boost towards the end of this season as he masterminded a brilliant run from the Latics, carrying them to a final position of 15th.

Reports suggest Liverpool intend to interview a number of candidates before making a final decision on a new manager, so the appointment of Martinez is far from a certainty.

Liverpool axed Dalglish earlier this week after finishing the Premier League season in eighth place, well short of their top-four target. They did win the Carling Cup and reach the final of the FA Cup, however.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan said to ESPN: "I was actually with Roberto when our chief executive called to tell him that Liverpool have made their approach. I told Roberto that he had my permission to speak with Liverpool.

"I knew that the day would come when this happened, so it wasn't unexpected, he is a good manager so I am not surprised a club like Liverpool want him.

"You have got to regard Liverpool as a big club, so I told Roberto that I wouldn't stand in his way, it was up to him to decide, and I shall await his decision. It is up to him and Liverpool now.

"I can imagine he will want to manage such a big club but I would willingly keep him if I could. He only signed a new three-year contract three months ago, so yes I would be due compensaton, but I would rather have Roberto than the compensation."

Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas had been considered the front-runner for the post, but it appears Martinez is ahead of him in the queue.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.