Roberto Martinez dismisses Everton speculation to focus on Wigan

The former Swansea manager has been linked with a move to Goodison Park should David Moyes leave

Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, said that the draw did not feel “like a defeat”, despite the increasing need for his side to start winning to try and avoid relegation (Getty Images)

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has claimed it would be a waste of time for Everton to contact him over their impending managerial vacancy as his mind is totally focused on Wigan for the final week of the season.

With David Moyes set to be announced as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor later today, Martinez is clear favourite to end up at Goodison Park.

But with an FA Cup Final looming on Saturday and Premier League survival to secure after that, Martinez has no time for distractions.

"At this moment in time it would be a waste of time," said Martinez.

"The most important thing is to be as ready as we can for Saturday and then the two other finals we have in the league after that.

"It is the peak time for us. We want our fans to be proud of us and that is what we are fighting for.

"What goes around on the outside doesn't affect us. We won't lose any focus."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is resigned to losing manager Martinez sooner or later - but believes he could do better than Everton.

The Spaniard is the odds-on favourite to step in at Goodison Park should David Moyes take over from the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United as expected.

Whelan told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a battle that I will lose and Wigan will lose [at some point], I've no question on that. It's [a case of] would Roberto choose to go to Everton or would he wait for one of the really big clubs?

"I'm not degrading Everton in any way, shape or form - they're a great club with great supporters - but is Everton regarded as one of the top European clubs? Well, unfortunately they're not."

Wigan sit in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, three points from safety, with two games to go, while Everton are sixth.

PA