The Dutchman has yet to sign a contract extension to remain in charge of Russia and Buckley has already asked Hiddink's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen about his availability.

Australia are still without a coach after Dick Advocaat's shock decision to renege on his deal with the FFA to remain with Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg.

Hiddink, who took the Socceroos to the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup, has been offered a contract extension to remain with Russia until 2010 but his long-term future now appears uncertain.

The former Holland, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven boss has also been linked with the vacant England manager's position.

"I've read reports in the last 24 hours that Guus may be in the frame and we've said that if he was we'd be interested in talking to him," Buckley said.

"We've made contact with his agent to see if the press reports are a tactical exercise on their behalf or there are some genuine issues there."

He added: "We've spoken to a lot of very well-credentialled coaches from right across the globe.

"Well-credentialled means a lot of things, certainly experience, experience in Asian football, experience in coaching a national team.

"I would say that there are challenges, there's a lot of countries out there at the moment, particularly in the Asian region who don't have head coaches in place, along with England and other European nations."

"It's a very competitive market at the moment. There's a whole range on factors and criteria that go well beyond just being a big name.

"I think you've got to look at everyone's credentials, but anyone who has coached a national team before obviously has an understanding of what's required