The Wigan chairman claims to have received more than 50 applications for the role, which has been vacant since Roberto Martinez left for Everton. 

He also confirmed that interviews will get under way on Sunday with the calibre of applications very high.

"The interviews for me start tomorrow (Sunday). I've got probably 10-12 interviews over the next few days," he told Sky Sports News.

"I'm not one to mess about and I hope I can get a decision made by next weekend.

"I am talking to a lot of great, great managers. Hopefully I can choose the right one, because choosing the right one is not easy."

Whelan was also clear about what he would require from the new incumbent, a return to the top-flight, following Wigan's relegation to the Championship last season. 

"I had some absolutely excellent managers - young managers, experienced managers - so everybody that has applied, I say thank you very much," Whelan continued.

"I can't get an interview with everyone but I've got 12, 14, maybe 16 interviews to carry out over the next week.

"A lot of these lads are so good but they do need the run of the ball, they do need that little bit of luck to succeed. We only have one ambition and that's being back in the Premier League."

While Wigan lost their Premier League status, they did win the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final, and as such will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season.