Hiddink

As United were outplayed in Rome that year by the very same Barcelona team that Hiddink's Chelsea came so agonisingly close to putting out, there is reason to suppose that but for one man, a Norwegian referee named Tom Henning Ovrebo, London would by now have claimed its first European Cup.

Manchester United want change of luck while Chelsea believe in destiny 2011

In his brief stay in London Hiddink organised his players more impressively than perhaps any coach in the Abramovich era and it was to his lasting regret, eloquently expressed after winning the FA Cup in 2009, that he did not got the chance to pit his wits against United.

Manchester United want change of luck while Chelsea believe in destiny 2011

Chelsea hope to have a new manager in place by the middle of June, which would allow Hiddink to settle before the playing staff return on 4 July for pre-season training.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

Guus Hiddink has waived an opportunity to commit his long-term future to the Turkey national team, with Chelsea's principal managerial target admitting he would consider any "concrete offer" for his services.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

Hiddink is understood to earn around £3.5m a year and is overseeing a week-long training camp in his native Netherlands ahead of the Belgium game.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

The squad are already familiar with Hiddink, who has acted as an adviser to Abramovich on an ad hoc and unpaid basis since leaving Stamford Bridge

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

On Friday Hiddink declined to speak explicitly about Chelsea, where he enjoyed a three-month spell as caretaker manager in 2009, but suggested he would be eager to return to day-to-day club management.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

Guus Hiddink won the FA Cup with Chelsea during his three-month spell as caretaker manager at Stamford Bridge in 2009.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

Defeat in Belgium, which would leave the Turks four points adrift of the group's play-off place, would prompt calls for Hiddink to be dismissed.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011

Yet Chelsea are confident they can secure Hiddink's release from the final 12 months of his contract, and the Turkish Football Federation's resolve to retain the Dutchman will be tested after the match in Brussels.

Guus Hiddink will consider 'concrete offer' if Chelsea come calling 2011