Hiddink remains #1 target

Sources close to Hiddink indicated for the first time on Monday that it was possible that he could leave his post as coach of Turkey if they lose a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier away to Belgium on June 3.

It is also believed that Abramovich has now spoken directly to Hiddink to try to persuade him to eventually return either as Chelsea manager or director of football.

Abramovich will be hoping that the result in Brussels goes his way — and that he can also fend off interest in Hiddink from Inter Milan, especially as the Dutchman has indicated to friends he may prefer to go to Italy.

Last week it appeared that Abramovich was losing heart in his efforts to lure Hiddink back to Stamford Bridge which opened up the slim possibility of Carlo Ancelotti remaining at the club and going into the final year of his contract, especially as he had dragged the team back into title contention.

Abramovich had already resolved to replace Ancelotti but was possibly dithering because of Hiddink. However such is his determination that he has also considered other candidates. These include Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas and former Ajax coach Marco Van Basten.