Wigan confirms Martinez capture

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed Roberto Martinez will become the club's new manager.

Whelan successfully negotiated terms for Martinez's release from Swansea before holding talks with the former Wigan player.

The deal was effectively sealed at the start of the week and Whelan confirmed it was done on Sky Sports News, saying: "I am very excited about securing the services of Roberto Martinez."

Whelan believes the Spaniard can be a major success after stepping up for his first job in the Barclays Premier League.

"I hold him in the highest regard," Whelan added.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will meet to discuss, amongst other things, finding transfer funds for new players."

Wigan's former manager Steve Bruce left the club last week to join Sunderland, with the Latics pocketing substantial compensation in return for letting him move to Wearside.

A large proportion of that will now be paid to Swansea, who according to reports are keen to speak to Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed about their vacancy.

Martinez guided Swansea to the League One title in 2007-08 before steering them to an eighth-placed finish in the Championship in the season just ended.

Wigan are expected to formally unveil Martinez as their new boss on Thursday.