Wigan boss lined up to replace Pellegrini at Malaga.
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Roberto Martinez has emerged as a candidate for La Liga outfit Malaga, who are preparing for the exit of current manager Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Spanish club are impressed with Martinez’s work at Wigan, despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League this season.
The 39-year-old has earned many plaudits for his time with the Latics, and was a target for Liverpool last summer before they opted to hire Swansea City’s Brendan Rodgers. Following Wigan’s surprise FA Cup win this season, Martinez has also been linked with the Everton job.
Malaga have come out and denied that Pellegrini will be allowed to leave the club this summer, but there seems to be little in their power to stop the Chilean coach from replacing Roberto Mancini at City – the man who was sacked following defeat to Martinez’s side in the FA Cup final.
Wigan are keen to keep their manager too, and chairman Dave Whelan believes he may be able to tempt Martinez to stay with the club as they look to win back promotion to the top flight next season.