Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan believes Liverpool's owners are cocking up their manager search. Whelan has confirmed Latics manager Roberto Martinez has held talks with the Reds owners in Miami.

"My understanding is that Liverpool are seeking a final shortlist of six managers whom the owners would like to interview," said Whelan.

"I am amazed that they think they can do that, it sounds very much an American way of dealing with these issues in sport, but I would wonder how those six managers might feel."

The Wigan chairman also doubts Martinez's willingness to work under a technical director, although with a job the size of Liverpool the Spaniard may need some help addressing the scale of the workload.

"A little bit will have to do with the attitude of the owners because I don't think they fully understand the game of football in England," he told Sky Sports.

"Roberto likes total control, from the youngsters at 16 to the first team.

"If he doesn't get that I don't think he will take the job."

He added on ESPN: "My information is that the new Liverpool manager will not be given full responsibility of the football department.

"The set-up on the football side goes well beyond the norm even with a director of football.

"There will be somebody else signing players and they might not necessarily be the choice of the manager.

"My advice to Roberto is to think very carefully about this, but Liverpool are a big club and I hope that they remain one of the big clubs.

"I've asked Roberto to make his mind up as soon as possible. If we have to lose him I will move very quickly to appoint a successor as I have ideas.

"Hopefully he will stay with us but we will wait and see."