Former Wigan Athletic player Roberto Martinez has agreed to become the Premier League club's new manager, chairman Dave Whelan confirmed on Tuesday.

Former manager Steve Bruce left Wigan last week to take over at Sunderland and Whelan immediately identified Swansea City manager Martinez as his number one choice to replace him.

The 35-year-old Spaniard, who played almost 200 games for Wigan between 1995 and 2001, spent two-and-a-half years in charge of Swansea, winning promotion to the Championship [second division] in his first full season.

Whelan successfully negotiated terms for Martinez's release from Swansea before holding talks with the former Wigan player. The deal was effectively sealed at the start of the week.

"I am very excited about securing the services of Roberto Martinez," Whelan said.