Whelan still wants Martinez

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Bruce was installed as Sunderland boss on Wednesday and although Wigan's initial approach to the south Wales club stalled on Tuesday when they were quoted a fee of £2million-plus in compensation, Whelan has not given up hope.

"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," Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"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."

Jenkins admits the two parties are "miles apart" in their valuation of the 35-year-old.

"Wigan asked what compensation we would be looking for and we talked about different figures," he said. "I told them what I valued Roberto at and they told me what they thought - we were miles apart to say the least."

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 said.

"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."