Roberto Martinez's first task as new Wigan Athletic manager will be to convince his best players not to follow Steve Bruce to Sunderland.

The Times says the Spaniard held talks with the club yesterday after Swansea City accepted a compensation package worth about £2 million - half their original demand.

The former Wigan midfield player will be presented as Steve Bruce's successor at a press conference next week when Dave Whelan, the chairman, returns from a family holiday in Majorca. Martínez is believed to have agreed a three-year deal worth about £1.5 million, although he will stand to earn more through bonuses.

One of his first tasks will be to try to persuade Titus Bramble, the defender, and Lee Cattermole, the midfield player, to stay, with Bruce thought to be interested in taking both players to Sunderland.