'Netherlands expected to name new coach by January'

The Dutch media has reported that the country's football association KNVB is planning to announce the name of the new Netherlands coach by the end of January. However, professional football director Bert van Oostveen said the association will complete all their procedures before coming out with a name.

According to Dutch media, Guus Hiddink will return as head coach after the World Cup, although Ronald Koeman has been a long-time favourite to succeed Louis van Gaal. Following media speculation in recent weeks, Bert van Oostveen, professional football director at the KNVB, posted a statement on the KNVB website Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

"As already explained several times, the KNVB is currently not in a position to respond," said Van Oostveen.

"We follow the royal route and will carefully consider the steps in this process. The new coach and staff will be presented as soon as we have reached a complete deal, just like we have done in recent years."

"The last few days I see all kinds of conspiracy theories and factual inaccuracies passing by in several media. I find the suggested theories particularly annoying and surprising."

According to Dutch media, 67-year-old Hiddink will sign a four-year contract, of which the first two years as head coach and the last two years as technical supervisor.

He has already coached the Dutch national team from 1995 to 1998.