The Russian Football Union are dragging their heels in extending coach Guus Hiddink's contract, according to the Dutchman's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen.

Contrary to recent reports, Hiddink has yet to put pen to paper on the deal to keep him in charge of the Russian side until after the 2010 World Cup finals.

At a press conference on October 10, one week before Russia's 2-1 win over England in Moscow, Hiddink and Vitaly Mutko, head of the Russian Football Union (RFU), announced that an agreement had been reached to extend the Dutchman's contract.

But Van Nieuwenhuizen told Russian newspaper "Sovetsky Sport" that so far he has received no follow-up from the RFU.

"I have not received a response," he said. "It's strange, very strange.

"Mr Mutko himself said that he wanted to continue working with Hiddink, but there hasn't been any kind of follow-up."

The news could alert the English Football Association, who continue to search for a successor to sacked England boss Steve McClaren.

Van Nieuwenhuizen, however, denies that there has been any approach from Soho Square.

"I've heard from journalists in England that he (Hiddink) is a candidate.

"But I want to establish contact with the RFU and those people responsible for Hiddink's contract as soon as possible.

"But they aren't getting back to me.

"I've helped Guus sign many contracts with many different federations, but I have never known a situation like this.

"I don't know how long Hiddink is prepared to wait, but don't forget that the current contract doesn't expire until after Euro 2008.

"Perhaps Mutko has changed his mind and doesn't want to work with Guus? I don't know."

According to Sovetsky Sport, Mutko has declined to comment on the matter, and Van Nieuwenhuizen did not elaborate on rumours that the reason for the delay lies with Hiddink himself.

Reports suggest that Hiddink is looking for some amendments to be made to the contract, including the building of a new training centre for the national side and new headquarters for the RFU.

"Those are matters for discussion with the RFU. We just want to know why there has been such a long delay," said Van Nieuwenhuizen.

Hiddink took over as Russia coach in 2006, and his side achieved qualification for the Euro 2008 finals last week at the expense of England, who lost 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley.

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