Updated at 19.34

WIGAN HAVE AGREED to let Liverpool speak with Roberto Martinez about the club’s vacant managerial post, it has been confirmed.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News:

“I have always said when a big club comes I will give permission and they don’t come any bigger than Liverpool.

“I gave them permission and he will be talking to Liverpool soon.

“He has been a fantastic, superb manager [for Wigan]. He will be a difficult act to follow.”

However, Whelan did not rule out the possibility of Martinez choosing to remain at Wigan:

“I don’t know Roberto’s feelings about Liverpool. He will be going with an open mind. I’d love to keep Roberto.”Unfortunately in this day and age of football there are two or three clubs without managers and Roberto is on the list of every one of them.

“When Liverpool sacked Kenny I did think they would be knocking on the door. If Liverpool are serious then I may lose him.”

He also told ESPN:

“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.

“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 I would be due compensation – but I would rather have Roberto than the compensation.”

The news comes following the recent sacking of Kenny Dalglish, after what was widely regarded as a disappointing season for the club.

Read: Ireland to mark Loughinisland massacre with black armbands in Italy game>

Read: Didier Drogba eyes redemption in Munich>