GUUS HIDDINK IS the frontrunner to take over at Barcelona after resigning from his position as head coach of Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Dutchman guided the side to a third place finish in the 2012-13, and also led them to the final of the 2013 Russian Cup.

But they have made a shaky start to the new campaign, a 2-2 draw with Lokomotiv Moscow in the opening game of the season was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Moscow on Friday.

The 66-year-old signed a new one-year contract on June 11, but will now leave the role and is favourite to move to Barca – who are in need of a manager after Tito Vilanova has stepped down to concentrate on recovering from cancer.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Hiddink said: “This decision was not easy for me, but I’ve always said it was my mission to help Anzhi be able to develop and grow, without my participation.

Now the time has come. I am convinced that the club has a great future, and I’m glad I was part of this large-scale football project.”

Fellow Dutchman Rene Meulensteen has been named Hiddink’s successor.

He joined the coaching staff at the Russian outfit in the close-season, after departing Manchester United following the retirement of Alex Ferguson.

Departures Lounge: Karl Pilkington on Man City’s latest targets

Pellegrini to rejoin City’s preseason tour following death of his mother