Manager Paul Lambert heads to Aston Villa after a reported bust-up with Norwich City

Lambert is understood to have told Norwich he wants out after they refused him permission to speak to Villa, who identified the 42 year-old as their preferred option to succeed Alex McLeish following Martínez’s decision to stay with Wigan Athletic.

Martínez has agreed to remain at Wigan for another season after a meeting with Dave Whelan, the chairman, in Jersey on Wednesday afternoon.

Whelan on Wednesday night confirmed that Martínez had been approached by Villa but the Spaniard has opted to pledge his future to Wigan. Martínez also rejected the chance to take over at Villa last June and his decision will come as a bitter blow to Lerner, who had played a patient waiting game.

Whelan on Wednesday night admitted he never feared losing Martínez to Villa as they were, in his eyes, not a big enough club.

He said: “Roberto is staying at Wigan and of course I am absolutely delighted. He was never offered the job at Liverpool because he wasn’t happy with the way the job was presented to him.

“He has had some talks with Villa but he’s not going to go there. Villa are a fantastic club with great supporters but I never thought they were big enough for him. If Roberto is to go anywhere, it will be to one of the top clubs in Europe. We’re just so pleased he’s staying with us for another season.”

Lerner, the Villa owner, is now expected recruit Lambert, who has been prominent in Villa’s thoughts since McLeish’s dismissal earlier this month. Villa believe the highly-rated Scot has the strong leadership qualities required for the post, while it is understood Lambert would also be receptive to the move.

Lambert has masterminded two automatic promotions at Carrow Road and comfortably guided Norwich to safety in the Premier League, but there have been rumours of friction between the manager and his chief executive, David McNally, in recent months and a parting of the ways has looked inevitable regardless of Villa’s interest.

Norwich will insist on compensation for Lambert, and would expect around £1 million.

Villa are not considering any other manager and will now focus their efforts on signing up Lambert by the end of this week. The club’s search for a new manager is in its third week and has been an arduous process, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer interviewed before the former Manchester United striker decided to remain with Molde.

Martínez, meanwhile, could be in line for a new contract with Wigan after a frank discussion with Whelan. Whelan added: “We’ve discussed a lot of things and it was a very productive afternoon. He’s got two years left on his current contract and we will be looking to extend that.

“We’ve also agreed to build up the academy and the training facilities. We want Roberto to be happy at Wigan and we’ll be aiming to make sure we do everything to help him.”

Martínez is also likely to be promised substantial funds for the transfer window.