Wanderers are bracing themselves for an approach from Aston Villa for Owen Coyle.

Roberto Martinez’s decision to stay at Wigan could now see the Midlands club turn their attention to the Wanderers boss.

Villa wanted the Spaniard to succeed Gerard Houllier as manager at Villa Park.

But Martinez has opted to stay at the DW Stadium after agreeing a pay rise and a new three-year contract with the Latics.

Coyle, pictured, has been heavily linked with the job and, while Villa had not made any contact with Bolton earlier in the week, he is now among the favourites to take charge.

Mark Hughes and David Moyes are the other names in the frame.

But Villa owner Randy Lerner was unimpressed with the way Hughes walked out on Fulham, while the Everton boss would see it as a sideways move.

Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez, who were also thought to be on the shortlist, are no longer being considered for the position, leaving Coyle in the driving seat.

American Lerner, who flew to Birmingham on Tuesday, is seeking an appointment with Premier League experience, ruling out former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, and ideally want the new man in place by the end of next week.

There is nothing, however, to say Coyle has expressed an interest in the position.

But the 44-year-old Scot’s stock has risen considerably since he took over at the Reebok from Burnley in controversial circumstances in January 2010.

He has won countless admirers with his desire to play attractive, free-flowing football on a shoestring budget.