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Ivory Coast make approach for Hiddink

Guus Hiddink is in the frame to be named Ivory Coast national coach during this summer's World Cup finals.
Guus Hiddink is in the frame to be named Ivory Coast national coach during this summer's World Cup finals.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Ivory Coast have admitted making an approach for Guus Hiddink to coach them
  • Hiddink does not take up his position with Turkey until after World Cup finals
  • Ivory Coast sacked Vahid Halilhodzic following a poor African Cup of Nations
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(CNN) -- Leading African soccer nation Ivory Coast have admitted making an approach for Guus Hiddink to coach them during the 2010 World Cup finals which kick off in June.

Hiddink led Russia during the World Cup qualifying campaign, but they failed to reach the finals after crashing out in the play-offs -- and his contract with the side ends in June.

The Dutchman has agreed to take over as Turkey's national coach in August, leaving him free, if necessary, to lead the Ivory Coast in South Africa.

Hiddink, 63, has a wealth of international coaching experience, having led the Netherlands, Australia and South Korea, as well as some top club sides, notably Premier League giants Chelsea.

Ivory Coast Football Association president Jacques Anouma told BBC Sport: "Guus is one of the people we have contacted about becoming coach. Probably in the middle of next week something will be concluded."

The west African country, who face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in their group, are seeking a new coach after dismissing Vahid Halilhodzic following a poor African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

Swedish duo Lars Lagerback and Sven-Goran Eriksson have also been linked with the Ivory Coast position, although Lagerback is now unavailable after being appointed by fellow-Africans Nigeria.