Ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam considers Premier League job

Jaap Stam didn't spend too much time as a player in the Premier League, but he has seen enough to consider a possible return - this time as a manager.

The former Dutch international played for Manchester United between 1998 and 2001, winning three titles. Sir Alex Ferguson even admitted that selling Stam to Lazio for £15 million was a mistake.

Stam did come back to serve as a scout for United following his retirement in 2008, but he's not been able to secure a major coaching gig in the intervening years.

But he's hoping to get another shot in England, especially after making a trip to watch Southampton play under Dutch compatriot Ronald Koeman.

"Football in England is booming. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and the facilities for coaches and managers are fantastic," the 43-year-old told the Sunday Mirror.

"As soon as I get the opportunity to work in England, I will go for it."

Being a coach was not in his plans. "There were times in my playing career when I thought managers were going berserk over nothing," Stam said, "and I could not see myself ever getting so worked up."

But the profession now appeals to him, and his relative inexperience in the role has not deterred clubs from expressing interest in his services.

"There has been some interest already, but that's all I can say," Stam said. "Of course, I still have to prove myself at the top level. Not every great player becomes a great coach."