Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is set to be offered a role with the club's board.
The Mail on Sunday says the Dutchman insisted he cannot continue as boss beyond the FA Cup final but, with John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole lobbying for him to stay, he has confirmed he is considering a permanent role at Stamford Bridge.
Hiddink is likely to return in the autumn as an advisor after his duties with the Russian national side and may even end up as director of football once his contract with Russia ends next year.
Hiddink said: "I have respected the club by working here in an intrinsic way over the last few weeks and months. So I think there shall be always a relation in the near future. Whether it's official or in any particular function, I don't know. But I like to be involved. This is a very beautiful club."
Hiddink made it clear a formal role was unlikely in the short term because he needs to give 'full energy' to his work in Russia.
But it seems certain he will be called upon in some capacity, even if Chelsea opt for Carlo Ancelotti as first-team coach.