Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The Daily Star Sunday says Villa agreed a contract with Martinez in secret talks last Wednesday. But they were dismayed when he then went into talks in Miami with Liverpool.

Those discussions are ongoing, with Liverpool still particularly keen on Swansea's Brendan Rodgers, as they seek a successor to Kenny Dalglish.

But if Martinez, 38, fails to reach agreement with Liverpool's American owners, he is likely to be Villa's replacement for Alex McLeish.