Russia boss Guus Hiddink has been approached to take over at Chelsea until the end of the season.

Chelsea hope to confirm the Dutchman's appointment by the weekend after sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday.

Hiddink, 62, who has close links with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, said: "If it was any other club my answer would be a straight 'no'.

"But Chelsea is different because I have good relations with the owner. I would like to help them if I could."

The Blues take on Championship strugglers Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, and the plan is for Hiddink to be in place in time for the game.

Chelsea have been given permission to negotiate with Hiddink by the Football Union of Russia (FUR), and the BBC has been told by the FUR there is nothing in his contract to prevent him from undertaking two jobs.

"In his contract there isn't any point on which he can't combine two posts, so he can do it. But right now the ball is in Chelsea's court because they must make him some offer. We think that he can do it but now it's his decision," an FUR spokesman told the BBC.

And Chelsea appear prepared to let Hiddink combine the roles.