Chelsea's chief executive, Ron Gourlay, is hopeful the club's search for a new manager is coming to an end but refused to be drawn on whether Guus Hiddink will return to Stamford Bridge.

Following Carlo Ancelotti's dismissal at the end of last season, the Turkey coach Hiddink has been heavily linked with a role he occupied on a caretaker basis in 2009.

The 64-year-old Dutchman led Chelsea to FA Cup success and the semi-finals of the Champions League during his brief tenure two years ago and remains close to the club's owner, Roman Abramovich.

Gourlay gave little away regarding any potential appointment but feels an announcement could be made within the next fortnight as the club look to fill the post before they leave for next month's pre-season tour of Asia.

"It's a big season for us coming up. Things didn't go as well as we hoped last season and plans are very much in place for next season to be back winning trophies," said Gourlay.

"As far as the manager is concerned, the process is going well but now is not the time for me to comment on who the next manager is going to be. We will announce things in the usual way but hopefully in the next week or two, we'll be in a position to announce who our new coach will be.

Gourlay says there is unlikely to be a mass influx of new faces.

"As far as players are concerned, the basis of the team will be the same for next season," he added. "There may be an introduction of two or three players. We've identified key players that we'd like to bring to the team, players who can strengthen the team but of course we'll probably have to wait until the new coach is in place."