Martinez, though, claimed such gossip was “a lie,” again insisting Wigan are in a position where they do not have to sell prior to the closure of the current transfer window next week.

With Maynor Figueroa also linked with a switch to Sunderland and tomorrow’s visitors to the DW Stadium in Aston Villa, a dismissive Martinez remarked: “It’s a compliment when you’ve a team chasing you that would love to have you in their squad.

“It’s speculation, but it’s positive. When you go into a game on the back of a defeat and you read someone wants you, it’s a great lift.

“But to get such a compliment it can only help you as a player and the football club as a whole.

“But we’re not here to try to find business, we don’t need to sell players to balance our books, and that’s always our position.”

Asked if he was confident of keeping his squad together this week, Martinez replied: “For me, it’s not an issue.

“We’re not talking to any clubs, so it’s not as if there are negotiations that you hope break down.

“All our concentration is on what is a huge game for us tomorrow, with the players in the same frame of mind.

“The players mentioned have been performing really well for the last season and a half, but they’ve still a long way to go.

“When they do they will get their rewards, both individually and us as a football club.”

Martinez confirmed 29-year-old Guinea midfielder Pascal Feindouno is on trial after being released by Qatari club Al-Saad.