Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that he has granted Roberto Martinez permission to discuss terms with Everton.

Reports emerged earlier today that the Spaniard had informed Whelan of his decision to leave the DW Stadium after four years at the helm.

Whelan has since confirmed that speculation and went further by admitting that Martinez can meet with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to talk over replacing Manchester United-bound David Moyes.

"Roberto wants to move on. We will let him go but he's on a 12-month rolling contract so if he moves someone will have to buy him out of his final year," he told talkSPORT. "Everton rang me and I said they have permission to talk to him."

It is believed that Whelan will demand £2m in compensation for the 39-year-old.