Guus-ing game may lead to Guus Hiddink as duo say no to job

Alan Pardew, whose Newcastle side are fifth in the Premier League, and Martin O'Neill, who has won nine out of 13 games since taking charge at Sunderland, were among the bookmakers' favourites to succeed the Italian.

However, both men are keen to distance themselves for the role.

Former West Ham boss Pardew said: "Firstly as an Englishman, I am proud to be in that sort of frame but it's not for me and I will make that quite clear. I am not even in the running as far as I am concerned.

"I am very, very happy here at Newcastle. We are on a little project that's going really well and I want to see it through.

"There is an outstanding candidate in Harry [Redknapp] and I just hope it all works out and it can be done in a manner that works for both Tottenham and England."

O'Neill, who was interviewed for the job before Capello's appointment in 2007, also backed the Tottenham boss for the job. The Northern Irishman said: "Harry should be [the England manager] and I think he deserves that opportunity as well. He should be the one.

"There has been a cry-out for an English manager now. His achievements at Tottenham in the last couple of years have been outstanding."

However, should the Football Association fail to prise Redknapp away from his club there remains an intriguing alternative in Guus Hiddink.

The Dutchman is jobless having left the Turkish national team in November and the governing body will have noted the instant impact he made during his three-month spell at Chelsea when he won the
FA Cup in 2009.

He was a popular figure at Stamford Bridge and was respected by playing and coaching staff during his spell at the club.

The FA have previously stated their preference for an English manager but Hiddink has an excellent grasp of the language and is reported to be interested in the role.

Hiddink has experience of international football with Holland, South Korea, Russia and Australia.