Rather, Ball is said to be training with the club in a bid to recovery fully from a niggling knee injury that was operated on last spring, during his time with City.
The former Everton and Rangers full back is not said to be a target of Martinez who has been linked with Sporting Gijon's Spanish under 21 international full back Roberto Canella.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Latics boss said: “Michael has been working with us for a long time. He’s had a lot of problems with his injury, but he is recovering, trying to get match fitness, and now he is looking sharp, looking ready.
“He’s got great experience, he’s a great influence and it's great to have him around, but at the moment he is simply regaining his fitness.
“We’re just enjoying having a very experienced player around with great standards who is good for our daily work.”
Should Ball impress significantly there is the outside chance of a pay-as-you-play deal. That however would rely on both Maynor Figueroa and Erik Edman leaving the club this month.