• Premier League

Martinez warns Birmingham off N'Zogbia

ESPN staff
May 22, 2010
Roberto Martinez is ready to fight Charles N'Zogbia © Getty Images
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Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has warned Birmingham City and other interested parties that Charles N'Zogbia is not for sale.

Blues are reported to be readying a renewed bid for N'Zogbia, having had an opening gambit rebuffed by Wigan.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish was somewhat coy when asked about his interest in the former Newcastle man and Martinez has insisted N'Zogbia has not had his head turned by the speculation.

"My view is that we've always said that Charles N'Zogbia is not for sale and that's not going to change," said Martinez. "I spoke with Charles, he's very happy, that's what matters. That's a clear message to our fans.

"We're not here to try and sell our best performers, we want to keep them, develop them and help them reach the next level and Charles feels that he can do that at Wigan Athletic.

"It's for everyone to see the huge development of Charlie's game over the last season, he has enjoyed his football and his role at Wigan and we want that to continue for next season.

"The sort of speculation we have seen this week is, in my view, just malicious and designed to unsettle a player who is very happy here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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