Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has expressed his ambition to manage a Premier League club at some point in the future.

The 40-year-old, who recently left his assistant manager role at PEC Zwolle, spent three years at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson and has revealed his desire to return to England at the first opportunity.“I would love to join a bigger club,” Stam told Voetbal International.

“At the moment nothing is concrete yet, but I think for me this is the right moment to make the next step.”

The former Netherlands international made his name at PSV Eindhoven before going on to win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Champions league and one Intercontinental Cup with United.

But his time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt halt in 2001 when he suddenly departed for Lazio under a cloud, certain comments in his autobiography having angered Sir Alex. He made 127 appearances and scored one goal during his time in Manchester.

Stam revealed that he held talks with Zwolle about his ambitions before he left the Dutch club.

“A few weeks ago I told the board that it was my choice to stop,” he explained.

“I want to take a look around; that could be in Holland or a foreign country. It is well known that English football really attracts me.”