Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has claimed that Roberto Martinez decided to turn down the chance to take over at Aston Villa because the club was not "big enough" for the Spaniard.

The 38-year-old was a strong contender to take the Liverpool managerial vacancy before Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers emerged as the leading candidate to take the spot.

As well as undergoing talks with Liverpool, Whelan has confirmed that Martinez also spoke to Aston Villa, whom he turned down last summer.

"He has had some talks with Villa, but he's not going to go there," Whelan told Sky Sports News. "Villa are a fantastic club with great fans, but I never thought they were big enough for him.

"I've said all along that I never thought he would end up there, and, fortunately for us, that's how it has turned out. If Roberto is to go anywhere, it will be to one of the top clubs in Europe. We're just so pleased that he's staying with us for another season."

Meanwhile, Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is expected to be named the new Villa boss after the Scotsman handed in his resignation to the Canaries earlier today.