Wigan Athletic's relegation to the Championship may see them struggle to keep hold of their best players after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ran the rule over exciting midfield duo Callum McManaman and James McCarthy.

Just days after Roberto Martinez masterminded the 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, the Spanish manager was left reeling after seeing his side slip to a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal that condemned them to relegation.

Callum McManaman
Callum McManaman has impressed for Wigan despite starting just eight Premier League game. [Reuters]

While there has been much speculation over the future of Martinez, it seems there could be major changes to the playing staff over the summer as Premier League clubs will be aware of the potential bargains on offer.

Aroune Kone has been a huge success, scoring 13 goals in all competitions after arriving for just £2m in the summer, while Shaun Maloney and James McArthur have also excelled in midfield.

However, Wigan's two most prized assets are McManaman and McCarthy who have both enhanced their reputations this season and will surely be tempted to move in order to continue plying their trade in the Premier League.

The Times reports that Liverpool boss Rodgers was at the Emirates on Tuesday in order to watch the two 22 year olds in action as he considers making an offer for the duo in the summer.

Rodgers is keen to bolster his squad during the summer and has shown that his priority is to sign young players who can have an immediate impact - much in the same way Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho improved the team in January.

Liverpool were repeatedly linked with Blackpool winger Tom Ince during the January transfer window but it seems McManaman may now be the preferred option after his drastic rise to prominence.

The former Everton youth team player was the man of the match in the FA Cup final and his impressive displays in recent months have earned him a first call up to the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Israel.

McCarthy has similarly impressed but over a much longer period, having moved to Wigan back in 2009 he has earned rave reviews for his performances in the centre of midfield and has been heavily linked with Liverpool and Arsenal for some time.

James McCarthy
James McCarthy in action in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. [Reuters]

The Repulic of Ireland international admitted in February that he was pleased to be linked with big clubs and that he would assess his future at the end of the season.

"Obviously, it's good to see your name linked with big clubs, certain clubs, it's always nice but I am still a Wigan player and I will keep playing for Wigan until the end of the season," McCarthy told the Daily Mirror.

"I have been linked with clubs here and there but I will keep working hard and see what the end of the season brings."

Wigan will be desperate to keep hold of their young midfield duo but relegation may hamper their ability to keep hold of players who will be desperate to continue their playing career in the top flight.

Israel