Hiddink says he is set to move to Russia

PSV Eindhoven and Australia coach Guus Hiddink said Monday he is close to accepting a deal to coach Russia's national team after the World Cup in July.

Photo: Hiddink says he is set to move to Russia

One day after PSV clinched the Dutch league title, Hiddink appeared on the television program Holland Sport and said he was "in heavy discussions" with Russia's soccer federation.

"My agents are busy with the final details of the contract," Hiddink said.

PSV won its 19th Dutch title Sunday with a 1-1 draw against FC Groningen. It was Hiddink's sixth title with PSV over two stints: 1986-1990 and 2002-2006.

Hiddink's announcement ends speculation about his next destination after his contract with PSV expires at the end of this season. His commitment to Australia ends after the World Cup.

Hiddink's agent quashed rumors Sunday that he would follow Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach.

Hiddink is one of the most experienced and respected managers in the game.

He served as the Netherlands' national coach in the mid-1990s, leading the Dutch to the World Cup semifinals in 1998 before losing to Brazil on penalties.

He also guided South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup, beating Portugal, Italy and Spain before losing to Germany. The Koreans hadn't won a match in five previous trips to the World Cup finals.

Last year, Hiddink led Australia to its first World Cup in 32 years after winning a two-leg playoff against Uruguay.

Hiddink has also coached Spanish teams Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis, and Turkey's Fenerbahce, reports AP.

O.Ch.