Hamburg manager Martin Jol is being targeted by Dutch outfit Ajax with the German side confirming talks have been initiated, although reports of a deal having already been struck are premature.
The former Tottenham boss has been identified by the Amsterdam club’s board as the ideal replacement for the departed Marco van Basten, who stepped down after failing to secure Champions League football for next season.
Jol’s Hamburg side fell just short in his first season in charge, finishing fifth in the German Bundesliga after setting the early pace at the top of the division.
It was the Dutchman’s first job following his dismissal from his post at Spurs in October 2007, and upon taking up the position at the HSH Nordbank Arena the 53-year-old signed a three-year deal.
A delegation from Ajax are understood to be in Hamburg to discuss terms over a compensation package, with the German side’s chairman confirming that talks had begun.
“There are conversations,” Horst Becker told Sport Bild.
Jol led Hamburg to the Uefa Cup and German Cup semi finals in his first season in charge, and their fifth-place finish ensured a Europa League spot for next season.