Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan admits Swansea boss Roberto Martinez is his No1 choice to replace Steve Bruce.
"He is my number one choice but I have not got permission to talk to him - I need permission from the Swansea chairman (Huw Jenkins) before I can even say hello to Roberto," said Whelan.
"I am asking for permission to talk to Roberto Martinez and until I get that permission I can't talk to him.
"If he (Jenkins) says you've not got permission I've got to look elsewhere."
Martinez is a former Wigan player, having served six seasons there from 1995 to 2001, and Whelan hopes that may have some bearing in his negotiations.
"He was one of my three amigos at Wigan when I brought three lads in 10-12 years ago (the others were Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz) and they revolutionised the football at Wigan," Whelan told Sky Sports News.
"I have great hopes I can get Roberto Martinez back to Wigan but he's done so well for Swansea and if Swansea refuse permission I'll have to look elsewhere."