Ajax are interested in reappointing Erik ten Hag but face an uphill battle in successfully executing a swoop for the under pressure Manchester United boss.
Reports in Holland indicating the Dutch giants, who are seeking to replace current interim boss John van’t Schip, have placed Ten Hag towards the top of their managerial shortlist have been verified to Mail Sport.
However, sources insist Ten Hag and his coaching team would be reluctant to walk away from Old Trafford in order to facilitate a return to the Dutch capital this summer, meaning Ajax’s hopes of landing their former boss are reliant on him being sacked.
Recently installed United part-owners INEOS will make a call on Ten Hag’s future at the end of the season amid growing uncertainty over his position following a largely disappointing season.
Ten Hag could still win a trophy with his side facing arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25, with no decision expected on his job until the Wembley showdown.
There is a willingness from the Ajax board to see how Ten Hag’s future develops before deciding on their next move, with former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Nice boss Francesco Farioli also among the other preferred candidates.
But even Ten Hag loses his job, there is acknowledgement the coach may prefer to seek an opportunity at one of Europe’s stronger leagues than return to Holland.
Having transformed Ajax into one of the most exciting teams in European football ahead of his departure in 2022, the iconic Dutch club have struggled during the post-Ten Hag era.
They are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points adrift of leaders PSV. They finished third last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, 13 points behind champions Feyenoord.
And the fact Ajax are in the midst of a transitional period is unlikely to appeal to Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, there are also said to be internal concerns at Ajax about any questions Ten Hag's re-appointment would raise with regards to their transfer business given his links to leading Holland-based player management agency SEG, who have been involved in a host of United deals since the Dutchman’s appointment ahead of last season.
The direction of Ajax's managerial search has been unclear following the suspension of chief executive Alex Kroes over allegations of insider trading.
But Kroes was reinstated at Ajax last week in a revised role as technical director and the administrator is understood to be among those keen to bring Ten Hag back this summer.
Intriguingly, Kroes is childhood friends with leading Dutch agent Kees Vos, who represents Ten Hag. Kroes and Vos set up talent agency SEG in 2000.