Pascal Jansen is being targeted by Norwich City to be their new head coach, reports suggest. 

The former AZ Alkmaar boss, 51, is among those being considered by sporting director Ben Knapper, who has drawn up a list of candidates, according to the Sun. 

Jansen managed AZ for four years between 2020 and January 2024, but was sacked after 162 games in charge of the Dutch club, winning 94 and boasting a 58pc win ratio. 

Known for playing attractive, attacking football, AZ are known for their development of young players and Jansen has a background in academy football in the Netherlands, having previously worked at Sparta Rotterdam, Vitesse and PSV in youth coaching roles. 

Jansen was previously linked with the managerial vacancy at Rangers and earned acclaim for his combination of developing youth and clear playing philosophy. He was formerly the assistant to new Liverpool manager Arne Slot at Alkmaar before taking the step up in 2020.

His dismissal in January came following a poor performance in Europe, but Alkmaar were sitting fourth in the Eredivisie table at that stage. 

Jansen appeared on Dutch TV oN Sunday night and when asked about his future, said via Studio Voetbal: "I did have two very interesting conversations. Those were wonderful conversations and I have visited beautiful clubs in recent months. They have been mentioned in the media, yes."

Born in London, Jansen is highly rated and spoke about his playing philosophy, inspired by Johan Cruyff, in an interview with the Guardian in 2023.

“I’ve always been interested in what happens in Italy, Spain and the Premier League. You can learn if you’re open-minded. If you’re educated from the Dutch point of view you have a very offensive way of thinking. We were inspired by Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff.

“It’s having the ball and being creative, but also not being naive by only playing attack and forgetting what it’s like to be out of possession. I strongly believe if you want to attack as much as we do you have to be better in defending than anybody could imagine.”

Norwich Evening News: Pascal Jansen was highly-rated during his managerial spell at Alkmaar.Pascal Jansen was highly-rated during his managerial spell at Alkmaar. (Image: PA Images)

The report adds that former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has rejected the possibility of discussing the vacancy, opting to bide his time before returning to the dug-out again. 

Carlos Cuesta, assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and bookmakers favourite, isn't thought to be a main target for City at this stage despite links earlier in the season. 

Norwich aren’t expected to make an imminent appointment as they weigh up their options after sacking David Wagner last week.