Manchester United discover Erik ten Hag release clause fee

Erik ten Hag has a release clause of just £1.7million in his Ajax contract.

Manchester United interviewed Ten Hag about potentially becoming their next permanent manager last week and the Manchester Evening News reported last month the Dutchman is United's preferred candidate.

Ten Hag, 52, is out of contract at Ajax next year and was not expected to command a significant compensation fee and it has emerged he could cost United just £1.7m.

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In an interview conducted this week, Ten Hag said United are a 'great club with great fans'. "Everyone knows each other in the industry," Ten Hag told Sport1. "There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that's normal.

"Manchester United is a great club with great fans. But I can only repeat myself: My full focus is completely on Ajax. We are already planning for the new season."

Ajax are two points clear of PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie with six matches remaining and face PSV in the Dutch cup final.

United interim manager Ralf Rangnick indicated the club had interviewed more than one candidate for the managerial post, believed to be Mauricio Pochettino, but Ten Hag is now the frontrunner.

"I know they have spoken to some people but so far we haven’t spoken about the experience and the impressions they have got from those meetings," Rangnick said.

"It’s not an issue for me. For me, it’s important to focus on the next games."