Whelan paves way for Martinez to join Everton

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has paved the way for manager Roberto Martinez to become the next Everton boss after reluctantly accepting the Spaniard’s request to leave the club.

Talks had been ongoing between the pair over the last week since relegation from the Premier League followed their historic FA Cup win.

Martinez has been linked with the vacant job at Goodison Park ever since David Moyes was announced as Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United and the Toffees made their move on Friday.