Australia set to move for Hiddink
Australia's Football Federation (FFA) is hoping to persuade Dutchman Guus Hiddink to take over as national boss.
Hiddink, 58, is reportedly "excited" at the prospect of leading the Socceroos on a part-time basis, while maintaining his present role with PSV Eindhoven.
The move for the ex-South Korea boss comes after Frank Farina quit the post.
"We're talking to a small number of candidates, of which he is one. We are making good progress," confirmed FFA high performance manager John Boultbee.
"We're looking for a person who has the right type and level of experience to take us to the next level."
Boultbee added that World Cup experience was "very important" and following his success with South Korea at the 2002 tournament Hiddink has all the necessary qualities.
He led the co-hosts to the semi-finals and was expected to link up with them again in Germany but is believed to have rejected their approaches.
Instead, he reportedly impressed the FFA with his knowledge of Australian players and his interest in the under-20 team's progress at the recent World Youth Championship.
"We need somebody who will be available whenever the team is assembled, to be able to visit players and their clubs whenever they're not assembled and to be in Australia to look at A-League players," added Boultbee.
The FFA is hopeful that Hiddink will travel to Sydney within the next two weeks once his pre-season commitments with PSV Eindhoven in South Korea are completed.
If the appointment proves a success, he may be offered the job on a full-time basis.
And if he decides against taking on the role, compatriot Dick Advocaat is also being lined up to replace Farina.
