Villa look towards Martinez
The Spaniard, who kept the club in the Barclays Premier League, has spoken to Villa officials who are hunting for a successor to Gerard Houllier, after the Frenchman stood down earlier this month for health reasons. Whelan confirmed Villa had approached him but expects the 37-year-old to remain at Wigan. He said: "Aston Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner. They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission.
"He arrived back yesterday and I presume he has spoken to Villa. I have made it clear to him I will be extending his contract. I have never let him down on anything and he has never let me down. I know I can never say never in football, but I would be very surprised if he is Aston Villa's new manager."