Guus Hiddink Available!

Last updated : 28 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Russia coach Guus Hiddink has not yet signed a new contract, leaving the Dutchman open to a possible offer from England (who are searching for Steve McClaren's successor) or an English club.

The Russian Football Union are dragging their heels in extending Hiddink's contract, according to the Dutchman's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen.

Contrary to recent reports, Hiddink has yet to put pen to paper on the deal to keep him in charge of the Russian side until after the 2010 World Cup finals.

At a press conference on October 10, one week before Russia's 2-1 win over England in Moscow, Hiddink and Vitaly Mutko, head of the Russian Football Union (RFU), announced that an agreement had been reached to extend the Dutchman's contract.

But van Nieuwenhuizen told Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport that so far he has received no follow-up from the RFU.

"I have not received a response," he said. "It's strange, very strange.

"Mr Mutko himself said that he wanted to continue working with Hiddink, but there hasn't been any kind of follow-up."

The news could alert the Football Association, who continue to search for a successor to sacked England boss McClaren.