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The Netherlands' hunt for a new head coach has taken a dramatic and unexpected twist, with Roberto Martinez now emerging as the leading contender to replace Ronald Koeman. After a string of refusals from leading Dutch coaches, the KNVB now appears prepared to look outside the Netherlands for the first time in almost 50 years.

KNVB targets Martinez in historic move

According to De Telegraaf, KNVB technical director Nigel de Jong has held face-to-face discussions with the 53-year-old Spanish coach in Malaga. The move marks a major break from the federation's usual appointment process, as it urgently looks for a suitable successor to Koeman after several prominent homegrown candidates dropped out of the race for the vacant role.

The push for Martinez comes after the KNVB suffered repeated setbacks in its efforts to appoint a top-level Dutch coach. Well-known names such as Peter Bosz, Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag have all removed themselves from consideration for different professional reasons.

Breaking a 48-year Dutch tradition

If Martinez is appointed, it would represent a landmark change in the KNVB's recruitment policy, which has remained in place for nearly half a century. The Netherlands have not had a foreign manager since Austrian coach Ernst Happel, who famously guided Oranje to the World Cup final in 1978. Since then, one of the most prestigious coaching jobs in Dutch sport has been held exclusively by Dutch managers.

Even though he is Spanish, Martinez is seen by some figures within the KNVB as a natural fit because of his strong links to the foundations of Dutch football thinking. He is understood to be a close friend of Jordi Cruijff and has long been regarded as a firm believer in the football philosophy developed by Johan Cruijff.

Arne Slot explains rejection of national team

Meanwhile, Slot had been in talks to take charge of his country's national side but later pulled out of the running. Some reports claimed he rejected the opportunity because of possible issues over salary and contract length, but the 47-year-old has now issued a statement explaining the real reason behind his decision.

"Over the past few weeks, and particularly the past few days, various reports have appeared regarding the vacancy at the Dutch national team, suggesting that I had withdrawn from the process after lengthy negotiations, including regarding salary and contract duration. That speculation is incorrect. We simply never reached that stage of the talks. At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training pitch with my players every day. Something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team."

KNVB explores all options including Reiziger

Although attention has now shifted towards Martinez, the KNVB has also looked at options from within its own youth setup. Nigel de Jong and Clarence Seedorf, along with director of professional football Marianne van Leeuwen, held an exploratory meeting with Michael Reiziger at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam. The meeting took place shortly before the Johan Cruijff Schaal match between PSV and AZ. However, reports indicate that there have been no follow-up talks with the current Jong Oranje coach.

The search has also brought some controversy, particularly over Louis van Gaal not being included in the process. Although supporters have called for Van Gaal to return, the KNVB is reported not to have contacted the 75-year-old about a fourth spell in charge.