Roberto Martinez Reportedly Decides to Leave Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez informed chairman Dave Whelan of his desire to leave the club, reports Sky Sports.

Paul Kendrick of the Wigan Evening Post passed along comments from Whelan, who said Martinez felt it was best for both sides if he moved on. He also confirmed interest from another Premier League side. Greg O'Keeffe of the Liverpool Echo reports that it will cost Everton £2 million to get the highly respected coach from Wigan. 

The team also released a statement regarding Martinez, confirming that another club has approached him about a potential move. Per that statement:

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Wigan Athletic can confirm that following an approach made by another football club, permission has been given to Roberto Martinez to discuss a vacant managerial position.

After discussions between Roberto and Chairman Dave Whelan, it was reluctantly agreed that Roberto, who remains the Manager of Wigan Athletic, would be allowed to speak to another club.

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The Toffees are looking for a new boss after David Moyes left to replace the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

While Martinez's departure from Wigan makes him a strong contender to take over the Toffees, Mike Whalley of ESPN previously reported other candidates are also being considered.

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Everton have yet to make an approach for Martinez, with chairman Bill Kenwright considering a number of options, including internal candidates David Weir and Alan Stubbs, both on the Goodison Park coaching staff, and former captain Phil Neville, who has just ended an eight-year playing stint at the club.

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Although Wigan were relegated following a disappointing Premier League campaign, the ESPN report affirms the club was hoping to retain the manager who led them to an FA Cup title. The Latics upset Manchester City in the final.

Whelan said there was still a remaining hurdle before Martinez could leave for another club: his contract. He has one year left, which must be bought out for him to take a managerial post elsewhere (via Kendrick).

Martinez has been with Wigan since the summer of 2009 after starting his managerial career with Swansea City in 2007. Despite his lack of Premier League success with Wigan, he should have no trouble attracting interest from other clubs, starting with Everton.

The FA Cup triumph will serve as his lasting legacy at Wigan. Whatever club he lands with next will hope he brings the same type of big-match success moving forward.