Newcastle United have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
Following the departure of Steve Bruce earlier in October, the new owners at St. James' Park have been searching for a new boss to take over, with the Dutchman said to have been identified as the ideal candidate.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies will now struggle to tie down their target, who is reluctant about taking over with the side in the midst of a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Newcastle have now failed to win any of their first 10 league games of the campaign, and they sit 19th in the table with just four points as a result, following a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
On the contrary, the Dutchman's Ajax side currently sit at the summit of the Eredivisie table, while they boast a perfect record in the Champions League group stage, having scored 11 goals and conceded just once in the opening three games.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund reportedly prepared an £11m-per-year contract to offer ten Hag, but, given his doubts, they may now have to turn their attention elsewhere, with the likes of Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre also linked with the vacant post.
Sam Varley
