Aston Villa have reportedly refused to give up on pursuing Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez, despite the Spaniard's upcoming talks with Liverpool.
The Latics chairman Dave Whelan confirmed yesterday that the club have given the 38-year-old permission to speak to the Reds, who are in the hunt for a new boss after sacking Kenny Dalglish on Wednesday.
With the Merseyside club expected to interview a host of candidates for the managerial vacancy, it is understood that Villa will try to initiate discussions with Martinez over becoming Alex McLeish's replacement, according to The Express.
Despite interest in the Wigan coach, reports have claimed that former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in pole position to take charge of Villa Park.
