Frank Rijkaard is being lined up as Chelsea manager next season. The News of the World says the former Barcelona boss has been sounded out by stand-in chief Guus Hiddink and has confirmed his interest.

The Dutch pair discussed Rijkaard's impending appointment last week at the request of Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

The plan is for Hiddink to return to his duties as Russian national team manager in the summer - with Rijkaard succeeding him at Stamford Bridge.

But there is the possibility of Hiddink returning to Chelsea to work with Rijkaard in a director of football role at the end of Russia's World Cup campaign.

A Dutch source said: "Guus and Frank have had long discussions about the job in the last few weeks. It has been informally agreed Frank will step in during the summer.

"Abramovich wants Hiddink to complete Russia's World Cup campaign - but there will then be the option for him to return to Chelsea and work in tandem with Rijkaard."