Wigan have given Aston Villa permission to speak to Roberto Martinez about the vacant managerial job at Villa Park.
However, Latics chairman Dave Whelan remains confident the Spaniard will remain at the DW Stadium and is ready to offer Martinez a new contract.
Villa made their approach for Martinez after Rafael Benitez, Steve McClaren and Mark Hughes were all ruled out of the running.
Whelan told the Daily Telegraph: "Aston Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner.
"They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission.
"He arrived back yesterday and I presume he has spoken to Villa. I have made it clear to him I will be extending his contract.
"I have never let him down on anything and he has never let me down. I know I can never say never in football, but I would be very surprised if he is Aston Villa's new manager."