New Everton Manager: Wigan agree fee for Roberto Martinez

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan - never one to keep quiet - has confirmed to Sky Sports News that he has agreed a compensation fee with Everton for the Spaniard, who confirmed last week that he wanted to leave the DW Stadium after four years in charge.

Whelan last week said that £2million would be required to buy Martinez out of the final year of his contract, though there is no confirmation that Everton have paid that exact amount.

Martinez has long been the bookies favourite for the job, though he was interviewed alongside a number of other top candidates over the past fortnight.

First, Kenwright interviewed internal candidates including David Weir, Phil Neville and Alan Stubbs, before out-of-contract Porto boss Vitor Pereira was spoken to.

Last week Kenwright made an official approach for Martinez, who was interviewed twice, before former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick reportedly wowed Kenwright in an interview over the weekend.

Martinez always appeared to be the frontrunner though and now compensation has been agreed, talks over a contract can begin.

Those talks are unlikely to be problematic, meaning the move will probably confirmed within the next 48 hours. He will only officially take charge of the club on July 1 - the same day David Moyes will be holding a scarf aloft at old Trafford.

The RBM team were divided on Martinez, as were many Evertonians, so we will present both sides of the argument over the coming days.

What is for certain though is that Evertonians everywhere will get behind the new manager and wish him all the best.

Welcome to Goodison Roberto - And remember, Nil Satis Nisi Optimium.

**Update** Everton have since released a statement saying negotiations are still ongoing regarding the manager's positon, basically telling Dave Whelan to keep his mouth shout! That said, I still think Martinez will be manager, just not as soon as we first thought.

Everton's statement:

In response to regrettable and somewhat premature reports earlier this evening, Everton Football Club are continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position.

Whilst positive moves are being made, the Club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed.

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