Skip to content

Hasselbaink move unlikely

JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK is looking increasingly likely to stay at Chelsea after Claudio Ranieri insisted the Dutchman is going nowhere, and Barcelona president Joan Gaspart admitted the chances of signing the forward were "remote".

Although the former Atletico Madrid marksman is interested in a return to Spain, the move looks like falling through.

"I cannot deny that we have spoken of Hasselbaink but the possibilities are remote that he will come to Barcelona," Gaspart told a local radio station.

"We have not been hiding the fact that, for two months, we want a centre forward but it is not an obsession.

"Louis van Gaal has said it would be good for us to sign an attacking player but only as long as the market allows it."

Ranieri has also stressed that Hasselbaink is remaining at Stamford Bridge.

"He is staying," said the Italian. "There are many rumours, but he is staying."

Meanwhile, some sources have forwarded Barca as surprise bidders for Internazionale star Ronaldo.

There are believed to be mystery new bidders for the Brazilian after Real Madrid withdrew their interest in sealing a stunning transfer.

"I did not get wound up when it was said that Ronaldo was going to sign for Madrid," affirmed Gaspart.

"It is not true," he replied when asked if the azulgrana had offered ‚é¼30 million plus Marc Overmars for the Inter ace.

Instead, it is being claimed that Manchester United are the club entering the frame late for the Golden Boot winner, who is clearly unhappy in Milan.

If the Premiership side manage to secure a place in the Champions League this week, they might consider filling their number nine shirt with 'The Phenomenon', although finance could be an issue, as could Ronaldo's long-term battle against knee problems.