by matrix » Wed Jan 20, 2010 2:52 am
Guus Hiddink's agent 'has spoken to Liverpool' about replacing under-fire Rafa Benitez
By Ashley Gray
Last updated at 12:33 AM on 20th January 2010
Comments (0) Add to My Stories Guus Hiddink's agent last night suggested he had been approached by Liverpool.
The claim would cast serious doubts over the future of beleaguered Anfield manager Rafa Benitez.
Cees van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that Turkey were interested in appointing former Chelsea manager, but said they were just one of nine suitors for his client.
'I have spoken with representatives of four clubs and five national federations,' Van Nieuwenhuizen told Sovetskiy Sport.
All points north: Hiddink is keen to return to England
'Almost all of the options have previously been mentioned in the press - Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, etc.
'However, as I have repeatedly said, we have not held talks with anyone.
'To all we have said that there must first be talks with the new president of Russian FA and to know his position on the future.'
Hiddink rejected an approach by City before Roberto Mancini was appointed at Eastlands a month ago because the timing was not right.
But the 63-year-old recently admitted he was keen to work again in England, provided it was with the blessing of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
The Russian FA elect a president on February 3, but former Zenit St Petersburg president Sergey Fursenko is a shoo-in and Hiddink is keen to hold talks with him in the next few days.
Fursenko has broken his silence to say Hiddink should remain in his post at least until the end of his contract in mid-July, if not beyond. But Hiddink is still waiting for face-to-face talks with his would-be boss.
'Guus is ready to fly to Moscow at any time,' said Van Nieuwenhuizen. 'He is currently in Amsterdam, because in Russia at this time, no one plays football, and at the Russian FA, nothing happens because they are waiting for a new president.
Having a ball: Hiddink could face Andrey Arshavin in the Premier League
'Guus is waiting for an invitation from Mr Fursenko, who for sure will become the new head of the Russian FA.
'There is a vital work, such as preparing for the friendly matches on March 3 and in late May. And in between these tasks he can ask the new head of the Russian FA and about whether he intends to continue cooperating with Hiddink.'
Turkey are believed to have offered to pay Hiddink £5.75million a year after having a significantly lower offer knocked back before Christmas.
Hiddink's salary with Russia is £6.25m a year after tax, which is unlikely to be matched by anyone.
if rafa goes, i would love Hiddink at our club, no doubt he is the real deal......
or they know nothing about football.
