Martinez 'offered Liverpool job'

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been offered the chance to become Liverpool manager, according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.

Martinez was in Miami on Thursday for talks with Reds owner JW Henry about succeeding Kenny Dalglish as manager of the Anfield club.

Whelan has confirmed that Liverpool have made an offer to his manager and a decision will be made within the next week.

The only sticking point would appear to be whether Martinez will be given the level of control he demands.

"I have just spoken to Roberto," Whelan told Sky Sports News on Friday. "He went yesterday to Miami and had a very constructive meeting with the owner of Liverpool.

"They're going to talk again on Tuesday. They've made Roberto an offer and he has agreed to consider it.

"He is also aware that I have said 'I'd love to keep you but I need a decision by Wednesday or Thursday of next week'.

"If we lose him we've got to move and appoint someone for Wigan Athletic.

"In the meeting I think they've made him an offer and he's said 'what are my responsibilities'.

"These are American owners and the rules and regulations are a bit different from what we English set down.

"Roberto is a seven days a week, 12 hours a day worker and I don't know whether they realise how hard he works.

"He has rules and regulations to be fully in charge of football and I know he won't move anywhere unless he is fully in charge of the football.

"I think he's considering it and I think he'll give it fair consideration."

Asked to clarify whether Martinez is set to become Liverpool's new manager, Whelan added: "I couldn't say that 100% for sure. They have made him an offer, I don't know what that offer is.

"I think he has said thank you for the offer but I only work when I have complete control of football.

"But he's having another meeting with them on Tuesday when he says a decision will be made."

"If he goes to Liverpool we will wish him good luck and get on with the business."

Asked if this meant Wigan are now actively seeking a new manager, Whelan said: "I would never do that until Roberto says one thing or the other. I want desperately to keep Roberto.

"I have said I would like to know one way or the other by next Thursday."

Former Wigan and Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland believes the Spaniard would regret not seizing the chance to take the Reds hotseat.

"What he'll be thinking to himself is: 'Will I get this opportunity again?"' said the 31-year-old, who had three seasons under Martinez at Wigan before agreeing a move to newly-promoted Championship side Sheffield Wednesday this week.

Kirkland added in the Wigan Evening Post: "The Liverpool job is still one of the biggest in the world - and it doesn't get offered to you every day.

"It's a massive job and it will be a massive opportunity for somebody.

"Whether that will be Roberto remains to be seem.

"But my gut feeling is that he'll go - there's been too much speculation for far too long for something not to be happening."

Martinez has failed to ignite the optimism of Liverpool fans, many of whom believe a more experienced manager should be tasked with getting the club back into the Champions League.

Former striker Peter Beardsley hopes the Spaniard, if appointed, will be able to win them over with his style of football.

However, the ex-England international admits he believes FSG rushed into the decision to sack Dalglish after the club's eighth-placed finish this season.

"I think they panicked by getting rid of Dalglish," he told talkSPORT.

"I think they should have given him another year and seen where it goes.

"But Roberto has done well at Swansea and Wigan, he's come through the system and his type of football will appeal to the Liverpool fans."