Van Basten named new Ajax coach

The former AC Milan striker will leave his post with the national team after this summer's European Championships to take the helm at his former club.

Van Basten, three times a winner of the European player of the year award, had been linked with Chelsea and Barcelona.

But he has agreed a four-year deal with Ajax after good friend Johan Cruyff was charged with overseeing an overhaul of the ailing Amsterdam club.

Van Basten - a former Ajax player and youth coach - will be assisted by John van't Schip and Rob Witschge, who are also currently with the national side.

Ajax technical director Martin van Geel said: "We are very happy. They are three ambitious coaches with an Ajax background who all have had international soccer careers and have built up experience as trainers."

The Dutch club have not won their domestic championship since 2004 and trail rivals PSV by nine points in this season's Eredivisie.

Directors held an emergency meeting on Tuesday and announced shortly afterwards that a new technical and sporting structure would be put in place, headed by Cruyff.

Cruyff, who made his name with the club as a player and then as coach, said he would not be taking up a full-time post.

However, his return did heighten speculation that Van Basten would take over as coach after Euro 2008.

"Marco is like me," said Cruyff on Wednesday. "Victory is not enough, there also needs to be beautiful football. I find that wonderful."