Ajax 'interested in re-hiring Erik ten Hag'

The Dutch giants have experienced a tumultuous campaign after Maurice Steijn was dismissed following a disastrous start to the season.

Steijn left Ajax in the automatic relegation places after taking just five points from his seven league games in charge.

John van't Schip subsequently returned to the club in an interim capacity and was tasked with steering the ship until the end of the current season.

The 60-year-old has helped Ajax climb up to fifth position in the Eredivisie table, while they are currently competing in the Europa Conference League last 16 against Aston Villa.

While Van't Schip is focused on matters on the pitch, Ajax's new chief executive Alex Kroes is drawing up plans to find a new head coach ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to The Mirror, Ajax have drawn up a shortlist which includes Ten Hag and Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

The report suggests that Kroes is open to the prospect of bringing Ten Hag back to the club where he spent four-and-a-half years as head coach before leaving in 2022.

Ten Hag enjoyed significant success during his time with Ajax, winning three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Beker trophies and a Johan Cruyff Shield.

The Dutchman also oversaw a memorable run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals, before Ajax's European dream was ended by Tottenham Hotspur.

Ten Hag currently faces an uncertain future at Man United despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2025.

New Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to make a decision on Ten Hag's future at the end of the season, but the British billionaire is already said to be looking at potential candidates to succeed the 54-year-old.

Ten Hag could be replaced if he fails to oversee a strong finish to the campaign, with the Red Devils currently sitting in sixth position in the Premier League.

While the Man United boss is being linked with a return to the Amsterdam Arena, Lijnders may be viewed as the most realistic option by the Ajax hierarchy.

The 41-year-old is set to leave his role as Liverpool assistant when manager Jurgen Klopp departs the club at the end of the campaign.