Hiddink among contenders as new Aussie coach

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Guus Hiddink has emerged as a leading contender to coach Australia after the country's football governing body chief indicated that discussions have been held with the Dutchman following the sacking of Holger Osieck.

Osieck's contract was terminated on Saturday just eight months out from the World Cup after the Socceroos were thrashed 6-0 by France in an international friendly in Paris.

Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop told Fox Sports in France on Saturday that preliminary talks had taken place with Dutchman Hiddink, 66, who steered Australia to their best-ever placing at the World Cup when they reached the second round in Germany in 2006.

Hiddink, who was at Seoul's World Cup stadium on Saturday to watch the friendly between South Korea and Brazil, did not say whether he was interested in a Socceroos return.

Osieck's deputy Aurelio Vidmar has been made caretaker Socceroos coach for Tuesday's friendly with Canada in London, but he is unlikely as a permanent replacement, reports said.

While Hiddink, who is currently without a club, has been mentioned as Osieck's successor, Australian coaches Ange Postecoglou, Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic are also possibilities.