By Wayne Veysey

22nd May, 2023 | 1:28pm

Revealed: Man City recruitment chief De Lang in advanced talks to join Ajax

Man City loans manager Kelvin de Lang is in advanced talks to join Ajax, sources have told Football Insider.

The Dutchman, 35, is close to being lured back to his homeland after playing a major role in City’s transfer plans behind the scenes.

It is believed that De Lang has been offered the role of Ajax head of recruitment.

Discussions are advanced over a deal and a full agreement is close.

That would be a blow to City who have been using loan deals to develop their top young talents over the years.

As relayed by The Athletic last summer (2022), the Sky Blues’ have banked £40million in academy sales in recent years, many of whom have developed their careers during various loan spells.

Some notable products of their youth system including Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Banzunu and midfielder Romeo Lavia, for whom City have a buy-back clause.

The Manchester club made £12.5m on the sale of Banzunu in a deal that includes a buy-back clause while Lavia’s sale was worth an initial £10.5m with a potential rise to £14m and a 20 per cent sell-on for the Belgian.

A recent success story of Guardiola’s sides’ loan system is Taylor Harwood-Bellis, currently on loan at Burnley and an important part of helping Vincent Kompany’s side return to the top flight for next season.

Last week (17 May), Football Insider revealed that West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle United are all ready to swoop for the 21-year-old centre-back if Man City choose to sell him this summer.

In other news, Man City coach rejects Southampton manager offer.