Soccer:Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has rejected Sunderland's bid for combative midfielder Lee Cattermole and insisted the player is not for sale.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce had lodged a bid to be reunited with the player he originally signed for the Latics.

Bruce is looking to strengthen his squad after the Black Cats flirted with relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season.

He is a huge admirer of the England Under-21 international, having last summer paid just £3.5million for a player who went on to become an integral part of his Wigan team.

However, Martinez has no intention of allowing Cattermole to leave and dismissed Sunderland’s bid “within the hour”

“Lee is not for sale. End of story,” he said.

“He is a fantastic player, a leader on and off the field, and is central to our plans going forwards.

“We are not interested in selling him, which was why this offer was rejected immediately.

“It is not usually our style to discuss incoming or outgoing transfers until they are completed but we have made an exception in this case because I feel so strongly about keeping Lee, along with all my best players.

“He is one of many talented players. Let’s forget about this now and move on.”

Sunderland, backed by the millions of American businessman Ellis Short, may well try to force Wigan’s hand with an improved off but Martinez is confident he can hang on to the midfielder, who is currently on an extended break after his summer exertions with England Under-21s.

The Spaniard’s squad rebuilding has continued, however, with a deal agreed to bring in Swansea striker Jason Scotland.

A fee has been agreed with the Swans and the 30-year-old, having played under Martinez at the Liberty Stadium last season, is unlikely to have any problems agreeing personal terms.

The only delay in the transfer going through may be down to issues surrounding the Trinidad and Tobago international’s work permit.

“The player has been given official permission to speak with Latics and he has been in Wigan to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms,” said a Wigan statement.

“However, the transfer is far from complete and the player will not be unveiled until the situation over his permission to work in this country is resolved, and this could take some time.

“The club cannot comment any further on the transfer until he is officially registered and confirmed as a Wigan player.”