Feyenoord target Robin van Persie for manager position; contact made with Heerenveen

Feyenoord has made contact with SC Heerenveen to start negotiations for their manager, Robin van Persie, according to Voetbal Primeur. The Rotterdammers want the former Feyenoord striker to take over the position after Brian Priske was sacked on February 10.

Van Persie is currently in his first season as a senior manager. He had previously worked as an under-19 coach and striker coach at Feyenoord. His Heerenveen team is currently ninth in the Eredivisie league table.

Feyenoord is currently managed by interim manager Pascal Bosschaart. The plan is for Van Persie to take over the position with experienced manager Rene Hake as his assistant. Hake left his position as Go Ahead Eagles manager last summer to join Manchester United as an assistant manager. He had led Go Ahead Eagles to European football via league position for the first time in the club's history.

Van Persie had a very successful playing career. The striker came through the youth setup at Feyenoord and played for Arsenal, Manchester United, and Fenerbahce before ending his career back at his hometown club in Rotterdam. He won the English Premier League, the FA Cup, the KNVB Cup, and the UEFA Cup with Feyenoord.

Feyenoord will now have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen for Van Persie’s move. Hake is currently unemployed and will, therefore, be a much easier move to realize.

The Rotterdam team advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, knocking out AC Milan to get there. However, the team has been much less successful in the league this season. They are currently in fourth position.