Looks like Everton want Dave Whelan to keep his trap shut

Dave Whelan is never a man to say no to a media opportunity, but it seems he is irking Everton as they look to entice Roberto Martinez to Goodison Park.

By Declan Whooley

Whelan and ‘no comment’ just don’t go hand-in-hand and whenever there is speculation around a transfer of one of his players, or even his manager, he is always quick with a sound bite. He has put some noses out of joint in the past with passing on what could be deemed sensitive information, and he was at it again last night.

It is no secret that the Toffees are pursuing the Spaniard as a replacement for David Moyes and last week they held talks with the Latics boss after Whelan gave the club permission.

Last night he told BBC Radio 5 Live that he had agreed a compensation deal with his Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright. Barely out of the meeting and he was soon on the national airwaves.

“He’d spoken to Everton because I gave them permission,” Whelan said.

“When he came back and told me how it had gone, it had gone very well and he was probably in the last two or three on the list. Then the chairman rang me and discussed the compensation deal with me, and we agreed that this evening.”

This was not what Everton expected (do they not know who they are dealing with?) and the club issued a short statement of their own last night on their website.

“In response to regrettable and somewhat premature reports earlier this evening, Everton Football Club are continuing discussions with regards to the vacant managerial position.”

“Whilst positive moves are being made, the Club will officially announce details as and only when they are agreed and completed.”

They won’t be the first to urge the Wigan chairman to keep his mouth shut until a deal is concluded, and most likely not the last.