The 42-year-old started his playing career at the Amsterdam giants and made over 300 official appearances for the club before leaving for Juventus in 1999.

Ajax initially approached van der Sar after he hung up his boots at Manchester United in 2011, but he then turned down their offer as he wanted to take a sabbatical first.

Nevertheless, he now appears ready to return to his boyhood outfit, and his appointment could be made official in the not too-distant future.

"Ajax can confirm that the club are in advanced talks with Edwin van der Sar and Michael Kinsbergen," an official statement from Ajax read.

"Both are candidates to join the board of directors at Ajax.

"Talks have not yet led to a definitive decision or contractual agreements. Ajax expect to be able to announce more news next week."

Van der Sar would join Marc Overmars, Henri van der Aat and Jeroen Slop on the board of directors at Ajax if he were to agree terms.