Roberto Martinez is targeting a top-10 Premier League finish next season after snubbing Aston Villa and signing a new three-year deal with Wigan.

Martinez turned down the chance to join Villa and is happy to stay with Latics.

He said: “Over the last two years, chairman Dave Whelan has been very supportive and I appreciate this.

“I still have much work to do here at Wigan and will only move when the club is ready for a new manager.”

Whelan is delighted and relieved to  retain Martinez, 37, who was also attracting interest from Athletic Bilbao.

Whelan said: “Keeping Roberto is a massive boost. I could feel the loyalty in him towards Wigan following the approach by Villa.

“This bubbled to the surface when we spoke and he made it clear he didn’t want to leave and wouldn’t be leaving under these circumstances. I am pleased and thrilled because he’s an honest, hard- working manager and money is an afterthought.

“He’s not the average manager, he cares passionately about this club and is already talking about us aiming for the top 10.

“He’s ambitious and he knows what he wants from his players. Our fans will welcome the news and realise just how loyal he is.

“I still firmly believe one of the biggest clubs in Europe will come for Roberto but he’s signed a new contract with us and we will continue progressing.

“We have to stay within our means, we are not Manchester United, but if he sells players who could be targets, the money will be used to buy new ones.

“My gut feeling all along was that Roberto would stay – he loves this club.”

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