Jaap Stam will become manager in the Premier League 'as soon as I get the opportunity'

'Football in England is booming,' says the Dutchman

Jaap Stam (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam admits he would love the chance to manage a club in England.

Stam, who played for United between 1998 and 2001, is currently the reserve team coach at Ajax, but revealed he has had some interest in his services from these shores.

And, while the 43-year-old ex-Holland, AC Milan and Ajax centre-back knows he still has to prove himself as a coach at the highest level, he has his sights set on a return to the "booming" football scene in England.

He said in the Sunday Mirror: "Coming back to England and seeing Ronald (Koeman) at Southampton has really opened my heart again.

"Football in England is booming. The Premier League is the best league in the world and the facilities for coaches and managers are fantastic.

"As soon as I get the opportunity to work in England, I will go for it.

"There has been some interest already, but that's all I can say. Of course, I still have to prove myself at the top level. Not every great player becomes a great coach."

He added: "I never thought (as a player) I would become a football manager.

"But after retiring, coaching did appeal to me. And now I am ready to get a job with a club on my own."