LOUIS VAN GAAL looks set to embark on a third stint as Holland boss amid reports of him reaching an agreement on the role with the Dutch FA.
The ex-Manchester United manager will be tasked with helping the side reach the 2022 World Cup following their disappointing last 16 exit from Euro 2020.
The reports come weeks after Frank de Boer stepped down as Holland coach after his team crashed out of the Euros following a shock 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims Van Gaal, 69, has met Holland’s football chiefs’ criteria for the role.
And it is thought Dutch FA’s director of football Nico-Jan Hoogma was looking to hire a national gaffer with the aura of Ronald Koeman.
Van Gaal, who is one of the world’s most successful club managers, has taken charge of Holland on two separate occasions from 2000-2002 and from 2012-2014.
The former Ajax chief, who turns 70 in August, led a memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
It was a run that started with that Robin van Persie header against Spain, and ended with a 3-0 victory over the hosts that meant they finished third at the tournament.
But the Amsterdam-born gaffer endured a disappointing stint during his first spell in Holland’s hot seat.
His side, who were considered outside favourites to win the 2002 World Cup, failed to qualify for the contest after a shock loss to the Republic of Ireland.
It is thought Van Gaal will bring in three assistants to help him during his next spell in the dugout with the Netherlands set to face three tricky World Cup qualifiers in September.
De Telegraaf claims Frans Hoek, Henk Fraser and Danny Blind – the father of ex-United star Daley Blind – will take on the roles.
And the squad will play Norway, Montenegro and Turkey in their first group stage qualifying games in September before clashes with Latvia and Gibraltar in October.
Van Gaal’s return to international management will come as a surprise to some following his sacking from Manchester United in 2016 two days after leading the side to an FA Cup win.
He has not managed a team since that brutal dismissal.
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However, the former Red Devils boss reportedly said he “would not say no” if the Dutch FA asked him to return as head coach.
Van Gaal, who began his managerial career with AZ Alkmaar in 1986, has won 20 major trophies with five European clubs.
Silverware wins include two LaLiga titles with Barcelona, one Bundesliga crown with Bayern and three Eredivisie championships with Ajax.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
