AZ Alkmaar coach Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he held talks with Blackburn Rovers defender André Ooijer about a move back to Holland earlier this month.
But the experienced defender, who was also linked with Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, told the AZ boss he wanted to stay at Rovers instead.
"He is a Dutchman and an experienced defender.
"But he told me he would rather stay with Blackburn Rovers", explained van Gaal.
Ooijer, who was outstanding in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park on Saturday, is out of contract at the end of the season, but Rovers have the option of extending it by a further 12 months and it would be a major surprise if they didn't do that.
Feyenoord also expressed an interest in Ooijer but the Dutch international seems settled at Blackburn, having successfully established himself as a first team regular.
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