Rafael van der Vaart believes Marc Overmars would prefer a return to Arsenal than become a director of football at Newcastle United.

Following the £305 million Saudi-backed takeover at St James’ Park, Newcastle are looking to restructure their hierarchy and Overmars is on the club’s list of potential candidates.

According to The Times, Overmars is ‘open to the possibility’ of joining Newcastle but the former Arsenal winger is ‘one of a number’ of names on the club’s shortlist.

Overmars has made an impressive impact since taking over as director of football at Ajax in 2012 and has also been linked with a move back to Arsenal.

And Van der Vaart feels a move back to the Gunners would be Overmars’ preferred option.

‘He is doing so well that everyone wants him. I think it’s great what they’ve been doing for years, with Edwin van der Sar together,’ Van der Vaart told Ziggo TV.

‘It doesn’t surprise me. Maybe it’s a nice challenge at Newcastle United, but I think he would much rather go to Arsenal.

‘He has more of a connection there. I don’t think he’s going to do this [move to Newcastle].’

Meanwhile, former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes Overmars has demonstrated the qualities needed to make Newcastle a success.

‘Being Newcastle United, I understand the interest,’ Kuyt told RTL7.

‘If you see what Marc Overmars has done for Ajax, with his buying and selling policy, I think he has learned a bit at Ajax.

‘He has done a fantastic job. I don’t think there is a better person for that position than him. The question is… is he going to make that much profit for a club that is going to spend a lot of millions.’

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Source: Metro Sport