Van Marwijk nears extension

Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk is set to extend his contract in charge of the European powerhouse until past Euro 2016.

Van Marwijk’s current deal is due to expire after next year’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, but he is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year extension in the near future.

“There is a big chance that we will soon reach an agreement. Both parties are very pleased with the collaboration so far and are keen to continue working together. Things are looking good. We’re in talks about a new deal until 2016,” van Marwijk’s agent Rob Jansen told De Telegraaf.

The 59-year-old replaced Marco van Basten as Oranje coach after Euro 2008 and guided the Dutch to the final of the 2010 World Cup.

Netherlands qualified for Euro 2012 by beating Sweden, Hungary, Moldova, Finland and San Marino to first spot in Group E of the qualification campaign.