The Wigan Athletic chairman has claimed clubs are powerless to stop managers changing clubs but insists he has received no approach from Daniel Levy regarding the Spaniard
Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has insisted that he will not stand in manager Roberto Martinez's way if Tottenham Hotspur make an approach for the Spanish coach.The Spaniard is one of the favourites to take over from Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane having previously held talks with Liverpool following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish.
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"If Tottenham come to me and say they’d like to talk to him, the answer is 'yes'," Whelan told The Sun. "It always is.
"That’s because you cannot stop managers moving around. Swansea found that out recently.
"I would say though that Roberto is quite happy at Wigan. I spoke to him last night and I’ve heard nothing from Spurs."
Other supposed contenders for the job include axed Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas, Everton manager David Moyes and former Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann, who is currently coaching the United States national team.
While Whelan refuted the suggestion that he would prevent Martinez from talking to Tottenham, he remained bullish about the chances of retaining the services of his manager, who has kept the Latics in the Premier League for three successive seasons.
Last year the 38-year-old turned down an approach from Aston Villa before more recently losing out to Brendan Rodgers in the race to take up the Anfield hot seat.
"As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing going on," Whelan continued. "He’s doing a brilliant job for me. But I have to wait and see now.
"I have not been approached and Roberto has not been approached. He is so honest that he would tell me the minute that he has.
"I think it’s pie in the sky that Spurs want Roberto. They have made no approach. That’s not to say that they won’t, but I hope Spurs go for David Moyes and leave us alone!"
