Van Basten agrees deal at AZ

Eredivisie club AZ have reached an agreement with Marco van Basten to take over as head coach until the summer of 2016.

The former Netherlands and Ajax boss had already confirmed his intention to leave Heerenveen at the end of the season and will move to the AFAS Stadion provided formalities have been completed.

A statement on AZ’s official website on Friday read: “AZ and Marco van Basten have reached a verbal agreement on a contract as head coach until the summer of 2016. The 49-year-old will succeed Dick Advocaat.

“The last formalities will be completed in the next few days, after which the Utrechter can be presented.”

A prolific striker during his playing career with Ajax and Milan, Van Basten moved into management in 2003 when he coached the Ajax youth team before becoming national team coach between 2004 and 2008.

After a spell at Ajax, the 49-year-old made clear midway through the current Eredivisie season that he would not be renewing his contract at Heerenveen, despite enjoying relative success.

Van Basten secured an eighth-placed finish in his first year at the helm and Heerenveen currently sit sixth in the table.

AZ are a place further back, with both clubs guaranteed a place in the UEFA Europa League play-offs next season.