Hasselbaink anxious to join Barcelona
The Dutch striker was quoted yesterday in Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo as saying he wants to play Champions League football with Barca next season.
Hasselbaink is thought to be one of several Barcelona targets, but van Gaal must move quickly with the transfer window closing on August 31.
Barca have already failed in their attempt to persuade Sporting Lisbon to part with Mario Jardel, with the clubs issuing a statement saying negotiations would not be renewed.
They have also shown an interest in Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan, while Real Mallorca's Catalan forward Albert Luque is another to be linked with a switch to the Nou Camp. But Hasselbaink, who had a prolific 1999-2000 season at Atletico Madrid, is believed to be compatriot van Gaal's top target.
Hasselbaink said: "Barcelona are one of the big clubs and Louis van Gaal one of the best coaches in the world. We are talking about an excellent combination and I would like to form part of it. At the moment, Barcelona have the potential to win the Champions League and I could contribute to that."
Chelsea re-emphasised their desire not to sell any players ahead of the transfer deadline although they had not yet spoken to Hasselbaink about his comments.
Managing director Trevor Birch said: "Our view is that we don't comment on speculation but we do not want to sell any of our players. I would rather not comment without having seen the actual report. I haven't spoken to Jimmy about it. There has been no dialogue between us."
Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri earlier confirmed that he also did not expect any transfer activity in or out of the club before the transfer window shuts.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's record £30million signing Rio Ferdinand is facing a battle against the clock if he is to make his Premiership debut for the club at Chelsea tonight.
The 23-year-old defender has recovered from the ankle injury he picked up in a pre-season friendly against Boca Juniors and was included in the squad which headed south today.
However, manager Alex Ferguson, desperate not to risk his latest acquisition until he is 100%, has hinted that he may have to wait a little longer to taste league action.
"He's travelling with us, but I don't know if he'll make it,'' Ferguson said. "He's certainly coming down with us, but we'll wait and see."
Ferguson's caution is a reflection of both his desire to protect the defender ahead of Tuesday night's vital Champions League qualifier against Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszeg, and his confidence in 21-year-old Waterford man John O'Shea, who has deputised most ably for the England international so far.
O'Shea will have to cope with the menace of Hasselbaink if he does get the nod once again, but Ferguson remains confident heading into a fixture which has proved fruitful over the years.
"We have a fantastic record there," Ferguson said. "The strange situation regarding this fixture is that their record at Old Trafford is fantastic over the years, and ours is equally as good down at Stamford Bridge.
"You can assess that in many ways. I've looked at the fixtures over the years and I've been here 15 years, so I've a fair input into it and it's not just three or four years this has been going on, it's gone on for 30 or 40 years.
"In fact, I think Chelsea's record is something like four losses in 47 years at Old Trafford, which is quite amazing, and down at Stamford Bridge, we're maybe not as good as that, but it's quite as good as any record you could have away from home. It's certainly without doubt our most successful away fixture."
Keeper Fabien Barthez, who is recovering from a hip injury, is another who is likely to miss out tonight, although United are hopeful of having him back in place for Tuesday, with Roy Carrol continuing to deputise in the meantime.
United are lining up a move for Boca Juniors defender Nicolas Burdisso, according to the player's agent.
Gustavo Mascardi, who represents the 21-year-old, insists United have stepped up their interest after the young Argentinian's impressive display for Boca at Old Trafford on August 10.
Mascardi told Argentine radio network Del Plata: "I know Manchester United are interested in him, but they haven't made an official offer yet."
United, who are also monitoring Rennes centre-back Julien Escude, are eager to strengthen their defence with Gary Neville and Wes Brown out through injury.
Boca are believed to value Burdisso at close to £5million although they are keen to delay any possible transfer until the end of the season.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
