Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has hit out at Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan for spreading false statements regarding the Reds' pursuit of Latics manager Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard was the initial favourite to succeed Kenny Dalglish at the helm of Anfield before the Merseyside club opted to appoint Brendan Rodgers from Swansea City.

While Liverpool were adamant that the Northern Irishman was the first choice, Wigan chairman Whelan was swift to claim that Martinez was the number one option.

"It is disappointing that Dave Whelan felt the need to run the kind of sideshow he conducted via Sky Sports News and various other media outlets," Ayre told the club's official website.

"It is important to understand that we ran a proper search to find a new manager, and that part of that involved us speaking to a number of candidates. We make no secret of the fact we spoke with Roberto Martinez, but that is all we did. He is a great guy, and I can't speak highly enough of his professionalism and conduct.

"But for his chairman to make suggestions like he has, and suggestions that just aren't true, well it is disappointing to say the least. We can say with absolute certainty that the only person who was made any offer by Liverpool Football Club is Brendan Rodgers."

Martinez eventually decided to pledge his future to Wigan following talks with Liverpool.