London: Wigan Athletic's Roberto Martinez has flown to Miami to talk to the American owners of Liverpool about the vacant manager's job at Anfield, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said on Thursday. Martinez is meeting with John W Henry after being granted permission to speak with the Reds' hierarchy.
"Roberto is in Miami today [Thursday] and you can only assume what he's gone there for," Whelan told the BBC. "He is honest and up front and I expect to hear from him in the next 48 hours. If he decides to go, which I hope he doesn't, I've got to replace him as soon as possible."
Whelan wants the situation to be resolved as soon as possible so that the club can move forward as Liverpool step up their search for a new manager.
"I got a phone call this morning and Roberto was on his way to America, he's flying down to Miami and is meeting Liverpool now, as we speak," he told ESPN.
"I didn't ask him what he has decided to do but I told him I wanted it sorted out sooner rather than later. I would love him to stay, I hope he will stay but I told him I need an answer in the next seven days. If it's yes to Liverpool, I will accept it and get on with life. But if it's no, I'll be delighted."
The 38-year-old Martinez, who kept Wigan in the Premier League with a late surge up the table, could succeed Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked by Liverpool last week after a disappointing season in which they finished eighth.
Recent reports have suggested that former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has fallen out of the running to take over at Anfield. Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal has been considered for the role of technical director but would prefer to be manager, according to Dutch reports.
Current Reds player Dirk Kuyt feels that his fellow Dutchman has the perfect experience to make Liverpool successful again.
"It is not usual for players to speak about candidates but he is a Dutchman, has a great track record and has the experience that the club could put to good use," the 31-year-old told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
"At the moment, Liverpool have no coach or technical director. Each club benefits from structure. You look at the Dutch national team and see that consistency and clarity are important."
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