Two clubs battle over Erik ten Hag as ex-Manchester United boss set to return to work seven months after sacking

Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen are both interested in appointing Erik ten Hag, talkSPORT understands.

The former Manchester United manager has been away from the dugout since leaving Old Trafford in October.

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Ten Hag spent just over two years in charge of the Red Devils following his arrival in the summer of 2022.

He won both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his tenure but was dismissed at the end of October after a poor start to the season.

The Dutch coach is now set for a managerial return ahead of the new campaign, though.

Former club Ajax are on the hunt for a new boss following their crushing title race collapse.

Francesco Farioli has stepped down from his role as manager after surrendering a nine-point lead to PSV.

The Italian has since been shortlisted by Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou in North London.

Despite beating Twente on Sunday, Ajax missed out on the title by a single point to their rivals.

Their interest in Ten Hag comes three years after he left the club to join United.

He had previously spent four-and-a-half years in charge between 2017 and 2022.

During that time, he won 159 of his 215 matches on his way to six trophies with the club.

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Those honours included three league titles, two of which were accompanied by a Dutch Cup triumph.

Ajax are set to face competition from long-time admirers Leverkusen.

The German side are looking for Xabi Alonso’s replacement ahead of his exit this summer.

Alonso will leave Leverkusen before an anticipated move to Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.

His final season in the Bundesliga saw the club finish 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich in second.

Cesc Fabregas has also been a candidate to succeed Alonso in Leverkusen.

The former Arsenal midfielder has overseen an impressive Serie A return for Como this season.

His side are currently 10th in the table with just one match remaining.