Reacting to a development that Tottenham have held 'extensive discussions' with Roberto Martinez as their next manager, but have now cooled their interest (Football Insider), pundit Noel Whelan has been left baffled by the news and has told Tottenham to reconsider their stance.

The Lowdown: Martinez out of the running?

Indeed, as per Football Insider, the Spaniard had been making a 'huge play' behind the scenes to become Tottenham's next manager and was said to be eager on taking the role after Belgium's European Championships this summer.

However, the same outlet then brought an update stating that Tottenham have now held extensive talks with the 47-year-old but cooled their interest as a result.

The Latest: Whelan tells Levy to reconsider Martinez as option

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction, Whelan cannot believe Tottenham have cooled their interest in the former Everton boss and has told Levy that Martinez is 'ticks every box' for Spurs.

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"I cannot understand it,” he explained.

"Have they got somebody better than Roberto Martinez? Who have they found that is better than him? That would be incredible. I have no idea.

“Martinez has been a fantastic manager for a number of years now and he is very well respected in European football. You don’t get the Belgium job for no reason. He has done incredible work there with top players. It is not easy to keep them all happy.

“Martinez ticks every box for me as Tottenham manager. He has the man-management skills, the intelligence, the right style of football and he speaks really well.

"I think he would bring out the best in the star players at Spurs. He can manage them the way they need to be managed."

The Verdict: Whelan half right...

While we believe Martinez is arguably one of the more underrated managerial candidates, especially considering his run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals with Belgium and FA Cup victory with Wigan, there are better alternatives.

Brendan Rodgers is a name that arguably stands out over Martinez given his superior managerial record and experience.

The Northern Irishman, for instance, has won more games (325) over his managerial career than Martinez (217) whilst averaging more points per 90 (1.83 compared to 1.56).

While his appointment appears unlikely at this stage despite Tottenham's interest, someone of Rodgers' calibre is debatably worth the wait despite Martinez recently being lauded as a 'world class' candidate by former Scotland boss Alex McLeish.

In other news: 45 y/o now open to joining Spurs, find out more here.