A coach-selecting group made up of four CFA officials, has worked out a list of three candidates for the post wide open after former coach Bora Milutinovic stepped down in July, said the source.

Besides Hiddink, former France coach Aime Jacquet and Japan manager Philippe Troussier are also on the list.

Hiddink, who led South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals, is CFA's first choice to fill the vacancy as he has a profound understanding of Asian soccer, said the source.

Moreover, the 55-year-old Dutchman has impressed the CFA with his strict and cruel training regime when taking the helm of the South Korean team.

Milutinovic had been advocating the "happy soccer" philosophy since he took over the Chinese team in January, 2000. But his loose training approach was always a disputable matter in the nation's soccer circle and drew heavy criticism following China's World Cup debut which ended up with three straight defeats.

The CFA coach-selecting group believe that Hiddink's strictness would help improve the training atmosphere in the Chinese national side, said the source.

Hiddink recently said he would not consider coaching the Chinese team before 2004 when his contract with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven ends.

But the CFA is confident of overcoming the obstacle as it has the support of Dutch-based Philips Co. Ltd, which is the largest sponsor of PSV Eindhoven.

The source said that if Hiddink turns down the offer Troussier will become the most likely man for the job, while Jacquet is least possible due to lack of acquaintance to Asian soccer.

Humberto Coelho, who steered Portugal into the semifinals at Euro 2000, may turn out to be a dark horse, added the source.

(People's Daily August 14, 2002)