Hasselbaink's agent invites Celtic to make approach

JIMMY-FLOYD HASSELBAINK'S agent has invited Celtic to make an official approach for the Chelsea striker.

The Dutch international still has one year left to run on his Stamford Bridge contract, but it is believed he is on Martin O'Neill's shopping list.

The 32-year-old has yet to speak to Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho about a new deal on his long-term future, but he is expected to fall further down their pecking order.

O'Neill is looking for a high-profile replacement for Henrik Larsson and Hasselbaink could be a short-term option. His agent Humphry Nijman said yesterday, "Celtic have never approached us officially but, unofficially, I have heard that there might be an interest there.

"There is nothing else we can say or do until Celtic do something officially. That has not happened yet, but it is up to the manager to decide if he wants to make an approach."

Nijman revealed the former Leeds frontman would be willing to talk to the Scottish champions if Mourinho tells him that he is surplus to requirements in London.

"The situation is that Jimmy still has a contract for one year after this season. Until now, we have not heard from Chelsea that they don't want him to respect that contract.

"The situation seems to be that they want him to respect that contract and if not they will have to tell us."He added: "His contract is still for one year and all players, if they are playing, are happy.

"But they have a new manager now and it's up to him to decide which players he wants to keep next season. If Jimmy is one of those players then he will be happy but, if he decides differently, then Jimmy will be interested in talking to anybody and, of course, to Celtic.

"The new manager has not spoken to Jimmy yet about what he wants. Jimmy is currently on holiday, so we will see."

Yildiray Basturk's agent has ruled out a move to Celtic after claiming they were unable to meet his wage demands. The Turkish international is leaving Bayer Leverkusen on a Bosman free and has attracted interest from Britain and other Bundesliga clubs including Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin.

But while his agent Reza Fazelli revealed yesterday that he had spoken with Celtic representatives, he indicated the player would be staying in Germany.

He said: "This is too much money for Celtic and he will not be going to Scotland.

"I have spoken to people at Celtic, but they cannot compete with those teams in Germany and I think he will stay there. There are a number of clubs interested in the player, but I can say he will not be going to Glasgow.

"He is a top-quality player and has enjoyed his time in Germany. We will look at all the options and then decide."

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is one of a number of players linked with a summer move to Parkhead, including Tottenham's Robbie Keane and Hasselbaink.