New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has admitted Dave Whelan will decide whether Antonio Valencia leaves the club this summer.
Martinez was brought in to replace Steve Bruce, and chairman Whelan instantly promised not to sack the Spaniard – even if he takes Wigan down.
The first key job Martinez will have is convincing Valencia to ignore the lure of Real Madrid and Manchester United, but the former Swansea boss admits the situation is out of his hands.
"If there is interest I'm sure the chairman will tell me if he has to go or not," said Martinez.
"If that happens we have to be creative in order to improve the squad."
Meanwhile, Whelan elaborated on his loyalty towards Martinez, insisting he adamantly believes in the way his manager tries to play football.
"I will never sack Roberto from Wigan. He is here for three years. If we go down in that time Roberto will go down with us,” said Whelan.
"I believe in this lad totally. I am going to stay with him. When Steve Bruce left for Sunderland, there was only one man who came to mind and that was Roberto.
"I have worked with him and know how dedicated he is to football. I brought him here in 1995 and he revolutionised Wigan. He excited our supporters as he was so skilful.
"What he has done since has been fantastic. He has his own ideas and I like his ideas."