Wigan manager Roberto Martinez wants changes to transfer window amid Chelsea's pursuit of Victor Moses

Roberto Martinez Came close to landing the Liverpool job and was understood to be in the mix for the Aston Villa hotseat after they offered him the job last summer. Despite that, the Spaniard remains at Wigan... for now. The passing style of p (GETTY IMAGES)

The Victor Moses transfer saga has led Wigan manager Roberto Martinez to call for the transfer window to only be open during the off-season.

Athletic chairman Dave Whelan this week voiced his displeasure at Chelsea's interest in his 21-year-old forward, accusing the Champions League winners of "messing about" in their pursuit of him by failing to meet his asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £9million.

Until such a valuation is met, Whelan will not entertain allowing Moses to leave the DW Stadium, leaving Martinez with a delicate matter on his hands.

With over two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, he knows it could only take one phone call to prise one of his key assets away from him and, as a result, he would like to see all business wrapped up before the season begins.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's campaign opener which - by a twist of fate - is against Chelsea, he said: "I don't like it, I have expressed many times that I don't agree with the transfer window going on while there are official games.

"I have always said that. I do feel there is a need for a transfer window, it is beneficial, but I don't think it helps when it is open when you are playing official games.

"It happens everywhere, it gives you uncertainty and I don't think that helps the game. The players are footballers but they are human beings."

Moses is in Martinez's squad for the Chelsea game, despite the Spaniard knowing a performance akin to the ones he produced in the second half of last season could be the arm-twister the London club need to meet Whelan's demands.

He has no qualms with picking the player, though, having told him to be proud of Chelsea's interest.

"For Victor it's been an exciting summer," he said.

"I spoke with him and told him he should be very proud, as a footballer at 21, to get the interest he has had. It's something to be happy and extremely proud about and is a football compliment.

"But, if you don't meet a valuation, it becomes paper talk and speculation. He is a young man and he knows what he did from December to the end of the season was a great level of performance.

"He can take it on to the next level and I am very excited to have Victor at Wigan, and I hope we can keep him for many years to come. Victor is fit and available for the squad and that's what matters."

PA