The
Dutch manager knows the Villa Park centre - back well, using the 29 year old in a prominent role in his 2014
World Cup finals
squad, and is confident that an offer for his services will be accepted by American owner Randy Lerner.
«Koeman's appointment as the new trainer does not come as a surprise,» the ANP said, with news reports adding the blond - haired Koeman was already earmarked back in 2014 to replace Louis van Gaal, who left the
Dutch squad after taking them to third place in the
World Cup in Brazil, and joined Manchester United.