Dutch club Ajax announced on Monday that they have reached agreement with Chelsea to release coach Henk ten Cate.

The Ajax coach has been linked with a role on Chelsea manager Avram Grant’s coaching staff, as the Premier League side look to rebuild following the departure of former boss Jose Mourinho.

In a statement on their official website, Ajax said: “In talks with Chelsea, Ajax have reached agreement with the English club about the immediate transfer of Henk ten Cate to the London-based side.

“After being approached by Chelsea, Henk ten Cate asked the Ajax management last week permission to start negotiations with the Premier-League side. After internal deliberations, Ajax granted permission.

“It is now up to Chelsea and Henk ten Cate to finalise the deal together. Ajax do not expect this to take much time.”

Ten Cate’s move to Chelsea should become official later Monday when he is expected to sign a three-year deal worth nine-million-euros (12.6m dollars), according to Dutch media.

A former assistant of Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona and regarded as an astute tactician, the 52-year-old had been under contract with Ajax until the end of the season.

After helping the Catalan club win the Champions League and Spanish title in 2006 he led Ajax to joint-top of the Dutch league last season but they lost out on the title by goal difference.

His position with the former European champions had however become very uncomfortable following Ajax’s elimination last Thursday from the UEFA Cup after a first round loss to Dinamo Zagreb.

Source:Soccer News