Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag has responded to speculation linking him with a move away from the Dutch club this summer.

The 49-year-old guided his side to the Eredivisie title as well as the semi-final of the Champions League, where they lost out to Tottenham.

Chelsea are among the clubs mentioned considering Ten Hag as a possible replacement for Maurizio Sarri, and when asked about the reports, the Dutchman replied:

“It’s an honour to be linked with big clubs like Barcelona, Bayern and Chelsea but I have a contract with Ajax and I am happy here. There are no problems for me. I am happy and I’m planning my future here, I am not thinking about leaving.”

The link to Ten Hag does make sense considering the Blues’ current situation. Their two-window transfer ban means the club will be relying more heavily on younger players.

At Ajax, Ten Hag has nurtured a young team with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van der Beek, helping them to the brink of reaching a major European final.

The Dutch manager’s words, however, suggest he will be staying in the Netherlands, for the time being at least.