Ajax chief reveals club are trying to convince Erik ten Hag to reject Manchester United

Ajax have not given up hope of convincing Erik ten Hag to remain at the club and are ‘trying everything’ to persuade him to turn down a move to Manchester United.

The Dutchman held several interviews with United officials last month, including new chief executive Richard Arnold, and he is believed to have verbally agreed a three-year deal with the option for a fourth.

Compensation for Ten Hag is only expected to cost around £2million, though United had hoped to negotiate a fee with Ajax and avoid souring their good relationship with the Eredivisie champions.

But the Dutch giants do not intend to lose Ten Hag without a fight and technical manager Gerry Hamstra has revealed that they are still speaking to the coach about extending his stay in Amsterdam despite United’s offer.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Dutch Cup final, Hamstra told ESPN: ‘We hope he stays, but there are now only two scenarios. Our job is to stick to the facts and he’s not left yet.

‘He is focused on the present. Only Erik can determine his future. He is old enough and wise enough for that.

‘We really hope he stays, and if he does not stay we have to be ready for the second scenario.’

Ian Wright sends huge Liverpool warning to Manchester United after Norwich win

Owen Hargreaves slams Cristiano Ronaldo's critics after Man Utd hat-trick in Norwich win

Manchester United star is exactly what Arsenal need, reckons Ian Wright

Asked why Ajax did not try to keep Ten Hag, Hamstra responded: ‘I can be very clear about this: we did. We did everything to… we are trying everything to keep him on board.’

Probed further on whether that extended to offering the manager a new contract, Hamstra confirmed: ‘Yes. We have tried everything. When? Recently. More money? Yes.’

He added: ‘I