Hiddink hits out at Garde over Remy interest

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has criticised Aston Villa boss Remi Garde for publicly declaring an interest in Loic Remy.

Garde confirmed on Wednesday that he wanted to bring the French striker to his struggling side, who sit bottom of the Premier League, in January.

Hiddink, however, was left unhappy with the public declaration, insisting Villa should have opened talks with Chelsea first - though says he wants to retain the forward regardless.

"From our point of view, I don’t think we, or the management, will go into a similar situation," the Dutchman said.

"You have to respect where the players are. If you are interested, talk first to the people to whom they are contracted. You cannot go into details."

Remy signed a four-year deal at Chelsea when he moved to the club from QPR in August 2014, but has struggled for form and fitness since arriving - but Hiddink is ready to give him a chance if he can prove his fitness.

"You don't go through the side door. The player has signed a contract here and must be fit for us," Hiddink said.

"He’s having a difficult time regarding his injuries. He has to prove first of all that he's a good Chelsea player."