Van Gaal would take England job

Former Holland coach Louis van Gaal has declared an interest in becoming the next England manager.

The Dutchman has been in charge at AZ Alkmaar since 2005 and has also had spells in charge of Barcelona and Ajax.

Van Gaal, 56, said there is a clause in his AZ contract which allows him to leave for a national team post.

He said: "There are many candidates but I'm willing to do it, otherwise I would not have a clause in my contract about a head coach's job of a national team."

The Football Association has begun the search for a successor to Steve McClaren, who was sacked on Thursday following England's failure to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

A number of high-profile candidates have already said they do not want the job - a post that Van Gaal claims he was offered once before.

"I was asked a few years ago (to take charge of England) but then I said no," he said.

"Maybe they will call me again now but I understand they (the Football Association) have other things on their minds, like digesting the fact they have not qualified for the finals of Euro 2008.

"I know the chance of becoming England coach isn't that big."

Source: BBC Sport