Alex Pastoor, who was supposed to take over as head coach from Marco van Basten at AZ, is leaving the Alkmaar-based club.

Pastoor is quoted as saying that the negotiations on terms and conditions for the job had ‘not delivered the desired results’.

Dutch media report that AZ offered Pastoor a nine-month deal but he did not agree to this because his contract as assistant coach still had two years to run.

Pastoor is reported as saying later on Thursday that AZ had taken the decision to let him go and that he is considering legal steps to fight against his ‘sacking’.

Van Basten said earlier this week he is stepping down because of the stress of the job.