Dave Whelan dismisses Roberto Martinez speculation

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has cooled talk of Roberto Martinez replacing Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur.

The North London club confirmed that they had parted company with the 65-year-old after three and a half years in charge at White Hart Lane.

Speculation over who would succeed him has quickly gathered pace, with both Martinez and Everton manager David Moyes believed to be leading the race.

However, Latics chief Whelan has revealed that Spurs have made no contact regarding the Spaniard, who was interviewed for the vacancy at Liverpool before Brendan Rodgers was appointed.

"I have not been approached, and Roberto has not been approached," Whelan told ESPN. "He is so honest that he would tell me the minute that he has.

"I think it's pie in the sky that Spurs want Roberto. It seems that way as they have made no approach.

"That's not to say that they won't, but I hope that Spurs go for David Moyes and leave us alone."

Martinez has been in charge at the DW Stadium since 2009.