HIDDINK AGENT CLAIMS LIVERPOOL CONTACT

HIDDINK AGENT CLAIMS LIVERPOOL CONTACT

Cees van Nieuwenhuizen claims four clubs and five international teams have spoken to him about the former Chelsea boss, who failed in his bid to take Russia to the World Cup finals.

Hiddink is under contract until June but his position is in doubt and he's already expressed an interest in returning to England.

Manchester City also sounded out the Dutchman before opting for Roberto Mancini as Mark Hughes' replacement.

There is interest from Juventus, Turkey and a nation qualified for the World Cup finals - although Hiddink has ruled out going to South Africa this summer.

"I have spoken with representatives of four clubs and five national associations," van Nieuwenhuizen told Sovetskiy Sport.

"Almost all options have already been mentioned in the press, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus. But I've said before we negotiate with anyone, first we will talk with the new president of the Russian Football Federation."

The outstanding candidate for that post, Sergei Fursenko, has gone on record as saying he wants a cheaper option than Hiddink - preferably a Russian.

It is Liverpool's alleged interest that will cause the biggest stir with Rafa Benitez under pressure at Anfield.

The Merseysiders take on Tottenham in a crunch clash on Wednesday night and the club have continued to throw their full support behind Benitez despite his team's poor performance this season.

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