Soccer:Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Roberto Martinez will be the Premier League club's new manager.

An official announcement on Martinez's appointment is expected to be made in the next 24 hours, but Whelan revealed that the deal is done.

The Spaniard, who has agreed a three-year contract, emerged as Wigan's top target soon after Steve Bruce left the Latics to take charge of Sunderland.

Swansea were initially reluctant to allow Martinez to speak to Wigan, but Liberty Stadium chairman Huw Jenkins relented once a reported £2million (€2.3m) compensation package had been agreed.

Martinez, who spent six years as a player with Wigan and is fondly remembered by the club's fans as one of the 'Three Amigos', is one of the most highly-rated young managers in the game.

Whelan will hold further discussions with his new manager today when they will set a budget for adding to the squad over the summer.

He said: "I'm very excited about securing the services of Roberto Martinez. I hold him in the highest regard.

"(On Wednesday) we will meet to discuss, amongst other things, finding transfer funds for new players."