Wigan fans say Albion manager Gus Poyet would be a popular arrival at the JJB.

But chairman Dave Whelan will not start the recruitment process in earnest until current Latics boss Roberto Martinez has completed his anticipated switch to Everton.

Poyet is believed to be among the names topping Whelan’s wish list as he looks to replace his popular FA Cup winning boss.

Whelan has offered no comment as to what type of manager he would like although his admiration for Manchester United is well known.

Dutch coach Rene Meulensteen, who worked with Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, will be among the front runners.

Owen Coyle, who is based in the North West, and Steve McLaren lead the way in the betting.

But Poyet was the most popular selection along with Roberto di Matteo among a cross-section of fans quizzed by the Wigan Evening Post via their Twitter feed when it became apparent Martinez was likely to depart.

Reporter Greg Farrimond said: “There were a good few names Wigan fans wanted but Gus Poyet and Roberto Di Matteo seemed to be the top two.

“The club aren’t making a move just yet, though, so we could well be playing the waiting game.”

The Everton situation became a little more complicated last night with reports that the Toffees had also spoken to former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick about the vacant position.

Albion have made no comment on the future of their manager, Mauricio Taricco or Charlie Oatway since they were suspended more than two weeks ago.

Poyet remains under contract until 2016 but is expected to move on.

Everton would be asked to pay £2 million for Martinez’s services.

Albion midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey has returned home after missing out on the final cut for the Under-20s World Cup.

Forster-Caskey was in Peter Taylor’s initial 35-man England squad but missed out when it was whittled down to 21 for the tournament in Turkey.