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Dave Whelan: Liverpool wanted Roberto Martinez over Brendan Rodgers

Whelan: Martinez was Liverpool's first choice
© PA Photos
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes that Roberto Martinez was Liverpool's preferred option to succeed Kenny Dalglish and not Brendan Rodgers.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has claimed that Latics manager Roberto Martinez was Liverpool's first choice to succeed Kenny Dalglish, despite the Merseyside club opting for Swansea City coach Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman is expected to be unveiled as the new Reds boss at a press conference at 10am this morning.

Prior to the imminent appointment, Martinez was the clear favourite to nab the position last week following a number of talks with Liverpool's American owners.

"[Martinez] could not accept that he would have a director of football who told him who he wanted to sign and who he was going to sign," Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"I don't think there is any doubt [that Martinez was first choice]. They might deny it but I think he was their number one."

The Spaniard has since committed his future to Wigan.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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