Now, Latics chairman Dave Whelan is hoping to bring Martinez back to Wigan and the DW Stadium.
He told Sky Sports News: "I have asked for permission to talk to Roberto Martinez. Until I get that permission, I can't talk to him.
"Once the Swansea chairman says to me I've got permission, I will talk to him. If he tells me I've not got permission, I can't talk to him and we will look elsewhere.
"I have got great hopes that I can get Roberto Martinez back to Wigan. He is my number one choice, but I've not got permission to talk to him.
'I need permission from the Swansea chairman before I can even say 'hello' to Roberto."
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is said to be asking for upto £2 million for Martinez, a fee that was met by Celtic.
However the Glasgow club are said to have turned their attentions to Tony Mowbray of West Bromwich Albion after Martinez confirmed his heart lies with the opportunity to manage in the Premierleague.
Significant developments are expected tomorrow with the Latics expected to up their offer to Swansea.
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