Ajax could offer Ten Hag escape route as pressure builds on United boss

Ajax ready for Ten Hag return

Ajax are looking to appoint either Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag or Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders as head coach next season.

The club need to replace John van ‘t Schip ahead of the next season, and the Mirror believes both Premier League men are candidates.

The paper writes: “Ajax have drawn up a shortlist of managerial targets that includes Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag AND Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.

“The Dutch club’s new chief executive Alex Kroes has been tasked with finding a replacement for stand-in coach John van ’t Schip at the end of a season which saw the Amsterdam club stranded at the bottom of the Eredivisie table after a shocking start to the campaign. Lijnders is regarded as the most realistic option given that he will leave Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp quits Anfield at the end of the season and has ambitions of landing a senior role.

“But sources close to Ajax have confirmed that Kroes has not ruled out offering Ten Hag an escape route out of Old Trafford. Ajax are now fifth in the Eredivisie and are not prepared to pay compensation during their search for a new boss.

“New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future at the end of the season and the Dutchman may even walk away from the final year of his contract in Manchester if he is not given assurances by the club about the power he will be given.”

Howe confident over Hall signing

The Sun reports that Eddie Howe is confident over the signing of Lewis Hall from Chelsea, despite the player not meeting all contractual requirements for a transfer.

The 19-year-old had been rumoured to have been set for a return to Chelsea but that appears to be incorrect.

The paper states: “Eddie Howe insists it’s “nailed on” that Lewis Hall WILL be a Newcastle player next season.

“Toon have agreed to pay Chelsea £28 million this summer following the end of his season-long loan.

“The situation is complicated given left-back Hall, 19, has not met all the criteria for the move to be made permanent.

“Given the highly rated youngster has only made 11 appearances across all competitions, it was thought The Magpies may send him back to Stamford Bridge.

“But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: ‘It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.’”

Fulham hope to keep trio

Fulham want Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Kenny Tete beyond the current season.

The Evening Standard reports that manager Marco Silva wants them all to sign fresh terms.

“Fulham are locked in talks to agree new contracts with Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Kenny Tete,” the paper claims.

“Centre-back Adarabioyo has been tracked by the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, AC Milan and Napoli in recent months and is out of contract this summer. He has already rejected at least one offer of a new deal, as Standard Sport revealed in January.

“De Cordova-Reid, the 31-year-old attacker, is also due to become a free agent this summer, while the club retain the option to extend Tete’s stay in west London by a further year.

“It remains to be seen whether any of the trio will still be Fulham players next season.”

Mourinho has options for return

The Daly Mail believes that Jose Mourinho has several options when he returns from his Roma departure.

The Portuguese could return to the Premier League, or make a fresh start in the United States or in the Saudi Premier League.

The paper reports: “Jose Mourinho is itching to get back into football management and has revealed his top priority in his hunt for work.

“The Portuguese tactician was ejected by Roma in January partway through his third season at the club, with the team sat ninth in Serie A.

“His potential options include a lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia, a return to the Premier League, a foray into international management or even a journey to the United States.”

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