Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar visits China to open Ajax academy at Guangzhou R&F

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Edwin van der Sar visited Guangzhou R&F in China on Monday to announce a partnership between Ajax and the club.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper posed for a series of photographs with some of the club's young players, who were kitted out in jerseys and caps from the Dutch giants.

And the Ajax CEO was clearly happy with the agreement, which runs for five years and is expected to be worth €2million-per-annum (£1.7m).

Edwin van der Sar poses with a number of young players in Guangzhou, China on Monday

He was also tracked down by autograph hunters, who brought Manchester United shirts

He wrote on his Twitter account: 'Delighted to announce a five year partnership with Guangzhou R&F to develope their academy in China following the philosophy of Ajax [sic].'

Van der Sar even had time to stop and sign autographs for some fans in Guangzhou city centre, who brought United goalkeeping shirts bearing the 47-year-old's name and number with them.

The partnership between Ajax and Guangzhou R&F fits in with president Xi Jinping's policy on football development.

He wants the country to compete for the World Cup within the next 15 years and has highlighted youth development as an important route to success. 

The agreement with Guangzhou R&F is expected to be worth £1.7m-a-year to Ajax

Van der Sar gives a thumbs up to the camera during the announcement on Monday 

'All facets of our youth development, such as scouting, nurturing talent and all the supporting departments will be available,' the club said in an official statement. 

Ajax will send four coaches out to China, including former women's coach Ed Engelkes.

Engelkes has been appointed as technical director of the project. 

The agreement between the two clubs fits in with China's football development policy