After apparent upheaval behind the scenes during Mourinho’s last few months in charge – Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo cited “palpable discord” between the manager and the players – the 69-year-old wants to make a full assessment of the situation at Stamford Bridge.

“We are still talking, exchanging stuff... It is possible that we would still use this weekend to discuss,” Hiddink told Fox Sports.

“It could take hours or days before I say yes or no. The news is fresh. I first want to take a good look.”

Hiddink had, in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf earlier on Friday, admitted he wanted to make a full appraisal of the situation at Stamford Bridge before his next move.

“I want to get some good insight before I make my decision,” he said. “I want as much information as possible. Chelsea are in a bad situation and there are reasons for that.

“I want to gain some good insights on that before I make my decision. Whether or not I’m visiting their next match depends on my first conversation. Then I’ll decide if I should stay in London longer.”

If he does eventually accept Chelsea’s offer, Hiddink will reprise the role he performed in 2009 when he replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in February of that year, guiding the club to the FA Cup and third place in the table as well as a Champions League semi-final where they narrowly and controversially lost to eventual winners Barcelona courtesy of a stoppage-time away goal.

He lost just one of his 23 matches in the final four months of the season and was well liked during his short stint in charge.

After his last match, the Wembley win over Everton, a number of senior stars - captain John Terry being one – asked him to reconsider his decision and stay on.

Terry expressed his regret at Mourinho’s exit on social media on Friday morning, posting on Instagram: “Thank you doesn’t seem enough. Sad sad day. Gonna miss you Boss. The very best I have EVER worked with, unbelievable memories together.”

Defender Baba Rahman, only signed in the summer, admits Mourinho’s departure has taken some getting used to by the players but stressed they were trying to remain professional and concentrate on returning to winning ways after back-to-back league defeats against Bournemouth and Leicester.

“Everyone was sad, Mourinho was the best manager the club has ever had,” the left-back told Sky Sports. “The mood is not so usual like before because of what has happened but we are looking ahead to the future and trying to put things together.”

Assistant coach Steve Holland will take charge for the visit of Sunderland, although Hiddink could be in the stands to run the rule over his prospective new players.