• Premier League

Spurs to sound out Martinez

ESPN staff
May 6, 2014
Roberto Martinez has led Everton to their highest-ever Premier League points total © Getty Images
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Tottenham are reportedly planning an approach for Roberto Martinez as they look to test Everton's resolve following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

According to the Times, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is hoping to tempt Martinez with the kind of transfer budget that is not on offer at Goodison Park.

Martinez: Barkley can't carry England

Everton's Ross Barkley has world-class talent according to his manager Roberto Martinez © Getty Images
  • Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned England fans against expecting Ross Barkley to carry the nation to World Cup success this summer.
  • "Will we expect to win the World Cup because of Ross Barkley? No," said Martinez. "But we will need to be clear because he is young and he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in world football at the age of 25 or 26 or 27. Not now. If his role in the World Cup is to carry England, that's not Ross Barkley.
  • "He's got that character and if he's needed he'll be 100% behind the team.
  • "We need to be a bit more sensible and protect a young man who for me is the best English talent I have seen, and I've seen a few. I hope we can fulfil his potential and give him what he needs over the next few years."

With Tim Sherwood set to depart at the end of the season, Spurs are said to have drawn up a shortlist that also includes Ajax head coach Frank de Boer and Souhampton manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Martinez has led Everton to fifth place and their highest ever Premier League points total in his first campaign at Goodison, but could struggle to replicate his success next season.

Having admitted Everton will need up to seven summer recruits to cope with the demands of Europa League football, the future of striker Romelu Lukaku - on loan from Chelsea - is also up in the air with Spurs among his suitors.

Tottenham had considered appointing Martinez, then at Wigan, two years ago before opting for Andre Villas-Boas.

With the club's attempts to install Louis van Gaal looking doomed as Manchester United close in, Spurs last week denied holding talks with his compatriot De Boer, despite the Ajax coach saying he had been approached, a claim which drew an angry response from Sherwood who accused other managers or his club of "telling porkies" about his job.

The Times report that Spurs are likely to request to speak to Pochettino, who has refused to commit to Southampton with one year left on his deal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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