Mikel Arteta's agent insists he is not surprised by reports that Spanish giants Real Madrid are interested in the Everton midfielder.

Arteta has been in superb form for David Moyes' side this season and the Spanish press are linking him with a return to his homeland as Real coach Bernd Schuster looks to shake up his squad at the Bernabeu.

The midfielder's agent Inaki Ibanez told Spanish sports newspaper Marca: "No-one from Real Madrid has come to us. But it is normal that a great club is interested in Arteta because he is doing very well."

The 25-year-old has also been linked to Chelsea and Real Zaragoza in recent weeks.