Next AC Milan manager: Louis van Gaal linked with vacant job after leaving Manchester United

The former Manchester United boss could make a swift return to management

The Dutchman had initially said he would be retiring (Getty)

Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been linked with the AC Milan job, according to reports in Italy.

Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested that the Dutchman has been shortlisted to replace Sinisa Mihajlovic who was sacked in April.

His appointment as the AC Milan would mark a surprising turn in events for Van Gaal who only one month ago was still in charge at Manchester United.

Other candidates to fill the San Siro vacancy include ex-Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas and fellow Dutchman Ronald de Boer.

The 64-year-old had initially suggested he would be retiring from management following the humiliating circumstances of his departure from Old Trafford.

Despite the disappointment of last season, Van Gaal remains one of the most experienced managers in Europe having taken charge of Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar, Bayern Munich and Holland during his time.

Van Gaal delivered United’s first major trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson after guiding the club to FA Cup glory at Wembley in May.

But this achievement failed to hide the disappointment of United’s season as a whole which culminated in a fifth-placed Premier League finish and the prospects of Champions League football dashed.