Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Liverpool are due to hold talks with manager Roberto Martinez.
The Reds are currently looking for a new boss following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish on Wednesday.
"When they phoned me, I was actually with Roberto and having a meeting about what to do next season," Whelan told Sky Sports News.
"I have always said that when a big club comes he will have permission to talk to them - and Liverpool, they don't come any bigger than Liverpool.
"When Liverpool sacked Kenny, I thought that Liverpool would be knocking on the door and sure enough they are. I gave him permission and he will be talking to them soon. I don't know when, but it will be quite soon."
The Merseysiders have said that they intend to contact a number of other candidates over the vacancy.
