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The agent of Ronald Koeman has revealed how tough it was for Everton to prise the Dutch manager from Southampton.

Rob Jansen, speaking to VICE Sports Netherlands, became Koeman’s representative in the summer after the Blues boss switched from Guido Albers.

Jansen said he and Koeman had a series of “serious talks” with Everton’s hierarchy before he made the decision to leave the Saints.

Everton were forced to pay £5m in compensation to prise Koeman from the final year of his Southampton deal.

Jansen told VICE Sports: “It was not an easy transition.

“Ronald first changed his personal management, which is always tough at this level.

“He left another agent [Guido Albers] and came to me.

“After that, we had some serious talks with Everton before Ronald decided to leave Southampton.

“So it was a lot of work to get the transition done.”

On the switch of agent, Jansen added: “I have known Guido for a long time.

“I brought him into the world of football.

“I have not spoken to Guido about it yet, but when a player or coach changes management, there are always issues between him and the former management. That is irrelevant to me.

“But, am I happy that Ronald came to me? Yes, of course. And it is also completely logical that Guido is disappointed.

“I go through that sometimes as well. It happens more often in football these days.

“Sometimes it feels horrible when a client leaves you, and sometimes you don’t care at all.”