Former Ajax head coach John Heitinga(Image: NOS)

Former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga has been sacked as Ajax boss after less than six months in charge. And the decision of the Amsterdam club to wield the axe could have major ramifications for Reds loan duo Vitezslav Jaros and James McConnell.

Heitinga was dismissed just a day after Ajax's 3-0 home Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Wednesday - which leaves them bottom of the table after four successive losses - prompted the club's main supporters group to call for his removal.

Ajax also stand eight points behind Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord and have struggled for form since Heitinga arrived from Liverpool in May having previous been at the Amsterdam club as player, coach and interim boss.

A statement from Ajax released on Thursday afternoon said: "The head coach’s contract was due to run until June 30, 2027, but will now be terminated....