Reports on some English newspapers and websites yesterday indicated that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to pay Guus Hiddink (photo) £6 million-a-year to become new Chelsea coach.

The Daily Express said Abramovich also wants to get former Stamford Bridge hero Gianfranco Zola on to the club’s coaching staff.

Hiddink, who in his spell as caretaker manager at the club in 2009 won the FA Cup and revitalised the team, is reported to be the No 1 target, but if he turns down the offer, then Abramovic will ask him to consider taking the post of director of football.

If that offer is accepted by Hiddink, then Abramovic might turn his eyes on former Ajax, Milan and Netherlands striker Marco Van Basten to become the new club manager, with Zola forming part of his coaching staff.