"Liverpool rang us and asked for permission to speak to Roberto, which I've given," confirmed Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan.
"I'd love to keep him but if he wants to move to Liverpool I will have to say good luck.
"When Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish I thought they would be looking around and they say they want a young, ambitious manager. You can't get one better than Roberto, so I expected them to call.
"I think he's wonderful, the best manager I have ever worked with.
"I was working with Roberto when I got the message. I told him there and then and asked if he wanted to speak to Liverpool and he said 'yes'.
"I've always said a big club will come for him and I will release him immediately."
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