Benitez not talking Turkey

Rafael Benitez’s agent has scoffed at claims he could take over from Guus Hiddink as coach of the Turkish national team.

Hiddink has been touted as a potential replacement for deposed Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, after the Dutchman enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker boss at Stamford Bridge in 2009.

The 64-year-old is under contract with Turkey until their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign ends, and Benitez’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon denied his client had been approached to replace Hiddink before that time.

“Absolutely not,” Quilon said. “He has not been approached by Turkey and hence, he has not held talks regarding coaching the national team.”

Benitez was sacked as Inter Milan boss in December and Quilon said the 51-year-old Spaniard and former Liverpool boss would like to be involved in the English Premier League again.

“He has received some offers from several clubs. His priority is to remain in England,” he said.

Hiddink’s agent, meanwhile, has said his client would honour his commitment to Turkey, while the national squad’s communications manager Turker Tozar said they were content to let the Dutchman make up his own mind.

“At this stage, we will leave everything to Mr Hiddink and if he sees the need to speak about this issue, he will do this personally,” Tozar said.

“We have a press conference on May 27. If he wishes comment on these rumours or leaks, he will do it. If there are new issues, Hiddink will talk about this.”