Dutch trainer Dick Advocaat has dismissed media speculation that he has signed a deal to take over from fellow countryman Guus Hiddink as trainer of the Russian national team.

However, Advocaat, who led Zenit St. Petersburg to the Russian title and the UEFA Cup during his three years with the club, admitted that he believed his name was on the shortlist of candidates.

"I have no contract with Russia," he told the De Telegraaf newspaper.

"I understand that my name is on the list," the former Netherlands and South Korea manager said. "That makes sense, because with Zenit St Petersburg I had a great job."

Advocaat earlier said that he would not be renewing his contract with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar when it runs out this summer. He is currently also Belgium's trainer and Russia would have to pay compensation of around a million euros to the Belgian FA if Advocaat breaks his contract in order to take over the Russian side.

The new head of Russian football's governing body, the Russian Football Union, is former Zenit president Sergei Fursenko, the man who initially brought Advocaat to Russia.

MOSCOW, March 19 (RIA Novosti)