Report: Van Basten to lead Heerenveen

Dutch legend Marco van Basten will succeed Ron Jans as Heerenveen coach at the end of the season, according to a report.

Jans had already stated that he would stand down when his contract with the club expires in the summer.

However, the appointment of Van Basten has come as a surprise as FC Zwolle boss Art Langeler had been considered the favourite to land the job, while the name of former Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal had also been mentioned in connection with the vacancy.

It is Van Basten, though, who will reportedly fill the void, according to Voetbal International.

The former AC Milan striker has been out of the game since parting company with Ajax in 2009.

The 47-year-old former Netherlands international was on the verge of rejoining the Amsterdam outfit in an executive role last year but talks over his proposed return eventually broke down.