Guus Hiddink keen for end to speculation over Chelsea's next manager

Guus Hiddink hopes Chelsea reach a swift resolution to their managerial search with Antonio Conte a strong favourite to take over from the Dutchman this summer.

Representatives for the Italy coach are reported to be close to an agreement with the Premier League club for Conte to become manager when his contract with the national federation comes to an end after Euro 2016.

Sky in Italy reported on Thursday that Conte was close to signing a three-year deal to take over as Jose Mourinho's long-term replacement, with an announcement possible within the next 10 days.

Hiddink has overseen an improvement in Chelsea's form since he replaced Mourinho just before Christmas, and he does not want an elongated recruitment period to adversely affect his players as they look to climb the table.

"I am in favour," the 69-year-old said when asked if he would prefer a quick appointment. "But it's a personal opinion that when things are done you make it transparent.

Conte - The view from Italy

What can Chelsea expect if Italy coach takes over?

"You've heard more than I have because that's your job, you have to search around where the rumours are. That's not my job. I'm just there to prepare for the next game.

"I'm not involved in this so that's all you can get from me on this issue. Of course this club is searching now and experienced managers they like and there are a lot. It's up to them, to make up their mind and make the decisions."

Hiddink went on to outline how different he feels life will be for Conte if he makes a return to club management with a first assignment outside of Italy.

Conte was in charge of five clubs - Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena and Juventus - before taking over as Italy manager in 2014 and Hiddink is well aware of the challenge he will face, having twice joined Chelsea after spells in the international game.

"There are a lot of differences because when you are at a club you have the daily influence as manager on the way of playing, on the behaviour on the pitch, outside the pitch, so you have a lot of influence on a daily basis," Hiddink added.

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"When you are a national team manager you have players for about four or five days so that's more difficult to get it as you wish.

"It's always exciting [going to another country]. You want to get as soon as possible into the culture of the country of course, and more the culture of the club. You want to learn the language especially where it is a difficult language.

"You have your own football language and it's not perfect of course, but [you need] to go as soon as possible into the football culture of a club or a country."