SWANS’ SHOCK MARTINEZ LINK

SWANSEA City have approached former hero Roberto Martinez about a shock Liberty Stadium return, Wales on Sunday understands. But the Belgium boss would only be interested in going back to his old job after next summer’s World Cup.

Swansea are currently working their way through a shortlist of candidates to replace Paul Clement, sacked last week with the club at the foot of the Premier League table.

Leon Britton oversaw a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace yesterday in his first game in caretaker charge, but has made it clear he does not want the role on a permanent basis.

Swansea are said to be keen to explore all options and, with a prefer- ence for a manager to fit the club’s traditional style and with Premier League experience, the 44-year-old ticks many boxes.

Various sources have said that contact has been made with Martinez, the man who did much to implement Swansea’s passing game during a successful two-year spell as manager which took the club into the second tier before leaving for Wigan. However, understandably, Martinez (pictured) would only consider coming back to South Wales once he has led Belgium through the 2018 finals in Russia. Swansea could name an interim manager before making a long-term appointment in the summer. Though that isn’t thought to be Swansea’s ideal scenario, especially with the threat of relegation to the Championship that could prompt potential U-turns. Swansea are thought to have spoken to various candidates and have had a number of applicants. Frank de Boer is among those sounded out, the former Palace, Ajax and Inter manager favourites with bookmakers on Saturday evening.

However, there are further suggestions that Liberty chiefs are not convinced about appointing the exBarcelona and Netherlands star.

Swansea would prefer a quick appointment ahead of the January transfer window, though at the same time do not wish to rush yet another crucial managerial decision.

Britton, assisted by Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards, is expected to lead the side for the Boxing Day fixture at Liverpool.