Russia target Capello to replace Hiddink

(GSM) – England coach Fabio Capello is being lined up to replace Guus Hiddink as trainer of the Russian national side after this summer’s World Cup, a Russian paper claimed on Wednesday.

Head of the Russian Football Union, Sergei Fursenko, was said to have been in London last week and met with the Italian at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat against Manchester City.

It is claimed Fursenko wants the Italian to replace Guus Hiddink, who is taking over as head coach of Turkey, at the close of the World Cup in July

Russia would be able to offer Capello more than his current £6m-a-year salary because of the different tax laws.

Hiddink earns £6.3m per year tax free as Russia coach, while Capello’s hefty wage is taxed at 50 per cent.

While the FA are certain Capello will stay on beyond the World Cup and will see out his contract until 2012, Russian observers believe the Italian has grown frustrated at the British media’s intrusion into players’ off-field conduct.

Russia have several other candidates on their list including Italy coach Marcello Lippi and Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti.