Latest Manchester United news with an update on Erik ten Hag after his appointment at Bayer Leverkusen
Former Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag is expected to complete his first piece of transfer business since his appointment at Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United head coach was confirmed as Xabi Alonso's replacement over the weekend.
Ten Hag had been out of work following his exit from United last October, but he has now returned to management after a seven-month exile. The Dutchman has signed a two-year contract at the BayArena.
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Ten Hag, who will officially start his role on July 1, said: "I've come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.
"It's an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team."
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes added: "With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch.
"With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
"And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times."
Now, just a matter of days since Ten Hag was unveiled as the new Leverkusen head coach, it has been reported that the German club are 'advancing to the final stages' of a deal for Brentford's Mark Flekken.
Leverkusen are keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department and have set their sights on signing the Netherlands international, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 31-year-old is valued at around £8.4million and personal terms are not anticipated to be an issue, as club to club talks are underway.
Flekken has been one of Brentford's standout performers this season, having made the most saves out of any 'keeper in the Premier League (152). Despite this, he has kept just seven clean sheets in 30 matches.
Ten Hag wanted Flekken at United before his £11m move to Brentford in May 2023. He has since made 70 appearances for Thomas Frank's side but is now closing in on a move to Leverkusen, with Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher identified as a potential £20m replacement.
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