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United first team coach Rene Meulensteen is the favourite to succeed Roberto Martinez at Wigan after the Spaniard announced his intention to leave the DW Stadium this summer.

The highly rated Dutchman rejected a proposed demotion to head of youth at Old Trafford, instead looking for work elsewhere.

Martinez met with Latics chairman Dave Whelan yesterday and revealed his intention to quit the DW Stadium after relegation to the Championship.

Everton asked for permission to speak with Martinez last Thursday which has now been granted.

Wigan want £2million compensation – a year’s salary – for him to replace David Moyes.

Whelan indicated that he wanted an appointment in place over the next ‘seven to 10 days’, although revealed that his manager is able to discuss jobs with other clubs.

That includes Malaga, who are set to lose Manuel Pellegrini to City.

“It looks as though Everton are favourites at the moment but Roberto is free to speak to other clubs if they are willing to pay the compensation for him,” Whelan told M.E.N. Sport.

“There is still a bit to sort out with regards to that but as far as I’m concerned the position is now vacant.

“I don’t get involved in shortlists – we invite people to apply.

“We’ll be interviewing people for the job when things are sorted with Roberto. I would think that is fairly soon.”

Roberto Martinez to leave Wigan Athletic and speak to Everton, Dave Whelan confirms

Roberto Martinez is facing D-day on his future

Whelan was aware that it would be difficult to keep hold of his prized asset this summer, but the news comes as a double whammy with the Spaniard expected to lead an exodus out of the Wigan doors.

The by-product of endearing themselves to the nation by beating City 1-0 in the FA Cup final – the club’s first major trophy – and gallantly braving the drop is that the majority of the first team squad are now being courted by Premier League clubs.

It marks the end of an unprecedented era at Wigan.

Several are likely to move on. They include Maynor Figueroa, who is close to sealing a deal with West Ham United, while dazzling midfielder Shaun Maloney sees his future in the Premier League.

Pivotal

So too does FA Cup final match-winner Ben Watson, despite being only a bit-part player when fit for the majority of the last campaign.

Antolin Alcaraz – whose injuries played a pivotal role in the eventual relegation – is being chased by Portuguese giants and Europa League finalists Benfica along with a number of English sides.

The club are unlikely to be able to convince Franco Di Santo to stay.

Indications are that any new manager has a tough rebuilding job to do this summer – especially given they will play a minimum of 54 games next year because of European qualification.

There has as yet been no word whether Martinez would take his backroom staff of assistant Graeme Jones and coach Graham Barrow with him.

Meanwhile, Mark Hughes is set to be unveiled as Tony Pulis’ replacement at Stoke City as the managerial merry-go-round continues.