Agbonlahor 'surprised' by Martinez twist after extensive Tottenham talks

Gabby Agbonlahor has admitted he is "surprised" Roberto Martinez is keen on becoming the next Tottenham manager.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward delivered his verdict as Spurs cool their interest in the Belgium boss.

Football Insider revealed the club had held extensive talks with Martinez and his representatives and were impressed by his enthusiasm.

It comes after the Spaniard made a huge behind the scenes play for the job as he outlined why he'd be the perfect candidate.

However, it is understood Martinez is not the favourite with the Spurs hierarchy as they eye somebody with proven Premier League calibre and big-club experience.

They are hopeful of having the new man in place shortly after the end of the domestic campaign with an announcement potentially in the week commencing 24th May.

Asked for his assessment of Martinez, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I still think with what he’s built at Belgium that he’d stay there. It would be a surprise if he left that job.

“But then again I look at Koeman. Koeman was doing an outstanding job with the Netherlands but he chose to leave that for Barcelona.

“If it’s the right job national team managers do want to manage in the domestic game.”

Koeman spent over two years in charge of the Netherlands before quitting his post to take over at the Nou Camp in August of last year.

He led the Netherlands to qualification for this summer's European Championships before taking over at his former club.

In other news, Real Madrid have made an approach to sign a Tottenham 24-year-old.