Martinez given permission to speak to Aston Villa

Roberto Martinez is on brink of becoming the next Aston Villa manager.
The Wigan boss spoke to Villa on his return from a break in Barbados and is now in pole position to succeed Gerard Houllier, who left last week because of health problems.
Martinez, who was given permission by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan to talk to Villa, ticks all the boxes as far as owner Randy Lerner is concerned — especially when it comes to working on a tight budget.