Veteran Ajax scout Urbain Haesaert has revealed he offered Eden Hazard to the Dutch giants several years ago.

Now 77, Haesaert has just returned to Ajax, where he will focus on Belgian transfer targets.

He uncovered Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham) and Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), but insists the fact all three players are defenders was coincidence.

"I was always an attacking coach. But at the time I also offered Eden Hazard to Ajax, but he was 'French' and they did not want him," Hasaert said.

"I have always been charmed and stayed with the philosophy of Ajax. For ten years I worked with joy and with results for Ajax. I was very satisfied with that."