Premiership clubs eye up former Celt
Maloney is playing a starring role in Wigan’s annual battle to escape relegation and will be the main threat to Manchester City’s hopes of lifting the FA Cup on Saturday at Wembley.
Former Motherwell defender Martinez signed Maloney for £1m in August 2011 and has had that fee repaid many times over with a string of vital goals and commanding performances.
“I would never be surprised if a club with more tradition and bigger power looks at him but that’s a compliment to us,” the Wigan boss said.
“I don’t want to see Shaun leaving because he’s so instrumental to what we do but it wouldn’t surprise me because he is a top player and has been consistent for 18 months now.
“He should be playing for teams fighting for titles. He’s got the quality of any player playing in that position. Shaun could have been born in any other country in terms of his technical ability.
“He is a player who could have been born in any other country in terms of the technical ability and the quality he has.
“When he first joined us he took a little bit of a time to get used to the pace of the league but he’s been magnificent and very consistent since he started playing regularly.
“I feel Shaun is a player who can play in any team. He is someone who can find space – he finds it so natural to turn – and players who can drive into space are a real strength to break things down.”
Before they turn their thoughts to Wembley Wigan host Swansea in a crucial Premiership clash tomorrow night.