Erik ten Hag is set to become Manchester United’s new manager at the end of the season, sources told ESPN’s Mark Ogden and Rob Dawson.

Despite numerous reports that Ten Hag is leaving Ajax for Old Trafford, United insist no deal to hire the Dutchman has been completed, according to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino was a strong candidate for the role, but United were reportedly deterred by his struggles in charge of the French side this season. The club was also wary of paying up to £15 million in compensation to release him from the final year of his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Ten Hag interviewed with United in March. The English giants mulled over a shortlist that also included Spain’s Luis Enrique, Sevilla’s Julen Lopetegui, Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, and Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann.

United football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher, the pair leading the club’s managerial search, ended their pursuits of Tuchel and Nagelsmann due to their commitment to their current jobs. Enrique is also preparing to guide Spain at the World Cup later this year.

Ten Hag can be acquired for a compensation fee of just £1.7 million and, unlike Pochettino, is held in high regard by his current employers. Though Ajax were eliminated from the Champions League by Benfica, their domestic dominance looks set to continue, as they hold a four-point lead atop the Eredivisie.

The 52-year-old has already masterminded two league triumphs and two KNVB Cup successes at Ajax. He previously led Go Ahead Eagles to their first promotion in 17 years and took Utrecht into the Europa League.

Ten Hag was also in charge of Bayern Munich’s reserve outfit during Pep Guardiola’s tenure with the first team.