Published 22:58 19/08/11
By Alan Nixon
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez wants to keep star striker Hugo Rodallega - but admits he fears losing his best players.
Rodallega has delayed talks about extending a contract that expires at the end of the season, as Liverpool and Tottenham weigh up deadline-beating moves.
Martinez is keen to make the Colombian stay, but admits that the lure of top clubs will always make his job difficult - as he found when star man Charles N’Zogbia left for Aston Villa earlier this summer.
The Latics chief hopes a pay-rise - and maybe even a get-out price clause - will solve the Rodallega problem.
“We like to reward players for what they do here, and he [Rodallega] is no exception," said Martinez.
“He is a very important part of our plans. If he does well enough, it’s only fair that we do not stand in his way if the chance of a big move comes along.
“Unless we can go on to the next level, and perhaps make it into one of the European competitions, it is impossible to keep players when they are in the best moments of their careers.
“I would never stop of player moving on to a different aspect of their career, but it has to be the right option for all concerned.
“When you are successful at a club like Wigan, you are going to lose players. That is the reality and you have to accept it.
"I think we are prepared to lose players, allow them to move on when a big offer comes in, as we showed with Charles.”
Wigan want £9million for Rodallega and could price him out of a move, but Martinez is anxious about not losing too many more players without bringing in replacements.
"We are light on numbers, and will work hard to sign two or three," said the Spaniard, "but I honestly believe this group of players are stronger now than what we had last season.”
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Liverpool-Tottenham-weigh-up-bids-Hugo-Rodallega-Wigan-boss-Roberto-Martinez-admits-struggling-keep-9m-rated-striker-article787394.html
