Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The search is on in earnest for Verbeek's replacement, after he revealed in March that he would step down after two and a half years as Socceroos coach because of demands on family and his desire to return to Europe.

"Of course I would consider it (coaching Australia). It's very nice there," Gullit said. "I love Australia, I've been to Sydney. What I like about Australia is the people are very sport minded, very much, they love it."