Blues owner Roman Abramovich has made the Dutchman his number one target to succeed axed boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Now Hiddink has given his strongest indication yet that he is ready to quit Turkey for the Chelsea job.

"I never told anybody that I was going to continue working with Turkey,” he said.

"I feel energetic and I like working every day.

"I feel I need to do more, so a club role is more preferable than coaching a national team.

"I haven't told the president of the Turkish FA. But he is an intelligent man and I'm sure he follows the world's media. There is no official offer yet, so I cannot guarantee anything."

Abramovich and Hiddink will begin formal negotiations next week, following Turkey's European Championship qualifier in Belgium tomorrow.

Chelsea will have to fork out £4million in compensation to the Turkish FA, as Hiddink still has 12 months remaining on his.

Hiddink spent three months in charge following Phil Scolari's sacking and led the club to glory in the 2009 FA Cup final against Everton.

He still refers to Abramovich as 'boss' and remains in regular contact with the Russian billionaire.

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