Manchester United's chances of getting Erik ten Hag have taken a knock, with one Ajax chief claiming they are doing everything to keep him.
It's not exactly even a badly kept secret at this point, Ten Hag is clearly the preferred choice at Old Trafford to become the club's next permanent manager.
Advert
According to previous reports, the Ajax boss has already agreed to taking over the reigns from interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the summer, with one Dutch journalist even going as far as already congratulating Ten Hag on his new job.
However things might not be such smooth sailing for the Premier League side to get their choice, with one of Ajax's bosses saying that they're still preparing for two scenarios, including the manager staying.
"There is interest for Erik ten Hag, that is normal. He has done fantastic," Ajax technical director Gerry Hamstra told ESPN following the club's KNVB Cup final loss to PSV on Sunday.
"We hope he stays. We have to stick with the facts, he has not left yet. He still is focusing on Ajax, so do we.
Advert
"We did everything possible [to keep him at Ajax]. We were very busy with that. He reacted that he is focusing on Ajax now. Now we are preparing for two scenarios, Ten Hag might stay or might leave."
The 52-year-old would have been hoping to lead his side to the league and cup double this season, ahead of kick off on Sunday.
Ryan Gravenberch, who is expected to join Bayern Munich, opened the scoring for Ten Hag's side in the 23rd minute but their rivals turned things around in two second half minutes.
Advert
Erick Gutierrez leveled the scores just three minutes after the break and two minutes later Cody Gakpo put his team ahead two minutes later.
With just five games left of the league season, the Amsterdam side have a four point lead over their rivals and Ten Hag will be wanting to add a third Eredivisie title from his time at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, whether he bows out or not after is still up in the air.
Ten Hag's in tray if he does move to United will likely include finding a replacement for Paul Pogba, after the midfielder was booed off by fans on Saturday, during the side's 3-2 win over Norwich City.
Advert
The Frenchman was already expected to leave but arguments with the Old Trafford crowd, going off when the teams were locked at 2-2 before Cristiano Ronaldo's free kick winner, all but settled his future.
He won't be the only midfielder through the exit door this summer, with Nemanja Matic claiming that he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Ajax, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Eredivisie, Premier League