The Reds were given permission to speak to the Spaniard following Wednesday's sacking of Kenny Dalglish.

Martinez will fly to Boston for talks over the vacant managerial position with Fenway Sports Group, who took over Liverpool less than two years ago.

"You have got to regard Liverpool as a big club, so I told Roberto that I wouldn't stand in his way, it was up to him to decide, and I shall await his decision," Whelan told ESPN.

"It is up to him and Liverpool now.

"I was actually with Roberto when our chief executive called to tell him that Liverpool have made their approach.

"I told Roberto that he had my permission to speak with Liverpool.

"He is a good manager so I am not surprised a club like Liverpool want him."

Whelan made no secret of his desire to keep the 38-year-old at the DW Stadium but conceded the lure of the top job at Anfield could prove too strong.

"I can imagine he will want to manage such a big club but I would willingly keep him if I could," Whelan said.

"He only signed a new three-year contract three months ago, so yes I would be due compensation, but I would rather have Roberto than the compensation."

Wigan secured their Premier League status for another season with two games in hand under Martinez with wins over frontrunners Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United in the second half of the campaign.