Dave Whelan: 'I won't stop Wigan Athletic stars from leaving'

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has admitted that he will not stand in the way of any of his top players from leaving in order to join a bigger club.

The likes of James McArthur, Callum McManaman, Shaun Maloney and James McCarthy have been touted as possible departures following the Latics' fall into the Championship at the end of last season.

"If they come in, I always try and do the best for the player," Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"I always say to the lads, if any club comes in for you, I will not stand in your way, but we're fighting to hold on to all the youngsters.

"If someone comes in with an offer that's mad, we have to look at it because I promise the players we would. Hopefully we can keep every player we've got in order to get us back in the Premier League."

Roberto Martinez, who left Wigan to become the new manager of Everton, has already poached striker Arouna Kone from his former club.