Ajax has made Liverpool coach John Heitinga its number one target— alongside Marcel Keizer in a proposed joint manager arrangement — to replace the Italian Francesco Farioli this summer, it is claimed in the Netherlands.

In the Eredivisie, Jordan Henderson's side was nine points clear with a few weeks left of the season.

And Heitinga is a highly-rated replacement.



In a joint position, Heitinga would be the lead coach with Keizer alongside him.

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Keizer and Heitinga worked together with Jong Ajax, the youth team, and the former has already been in charge of Ajax's senior team for a short spell.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and his assistants, Sipke Hulshoff and John Heitinga.

Heitinga did very well, but in the end, when it came to a permanent appointment, Ajax went with Maurice Steijn, who was fired after two wins in 11 games, instead.

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If John is smart, he would stay here one more season."

Liverpool.com says: Heitinga is very highly-rated as a coach but that doesn't always translate to management