Despite rumors linking the likes of Mark Hughes and Rafael Benitez to the vacant manager's job at Aston Villa, it appears that Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as the leading candidate for the job. His current employer has agreed to let Martinez speak to Villa, though that doesn't necessarily mean this move is a foregone conclusion.
BREAKING: WIgan Athletic give Aston Villa permission to speak to Roberto Martinez.
Martinez has barely saved Wigan from relegation in the last couple of seasons, but is generally regarded as an up and coming manager regardless of his relative lack of success in the Premier League. Wigan hasn't exactly been blessed with great finances, so that lack of success certainly isn't entirely the fault of Martinez. Aston Villa are looking for a new manager after Gerard Houllier's resignation due to health concerns.