Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is convinced manager Roberto Martinez is destined for bigger things.

Whelan has said previously that former Wigan player Martinez, 39, will eventually leave the club with his blessing but he wants him to stay as long as possible.

Whelan told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "We have known each other and been together a long time. Hopefully that will continue.

"I will lose him, I don't think there is any question about that.

"He is a top-class manager and he will get one of the top clubs in Europe.

"The big clubs in Europe, when they want a manager, Roberto is obviously the man. He is stone-cold brilliant as a manager."