Hasselbaink chases Leeds

Former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has declared his interest in the vacant managerial position at Elland Road.

The 42-year-old, who represented the Yorkshire club with distinction between 1997-1999, is keen to start a managerial career and would like the chance to take charge of the club he classes as one of the biggest in England.

He told TalkSPORT: “Leeds United is a wonderful big club where I had two great years. If they want to talk to me, of course I would talk 1/8to them3/8.

“I’ve got experience, I know I could take the club forward and I know I can take the club back to where they need to go.

“If they want to talk to me, of course I would be interested. Who doesn’t want to manage Leeds United? It’s one of the 10 biggest jobs in the country.”

Hasselbaink, who has coached in England with Nottingham Forest, was a key figure in his time at Elland Road and scored 42 goals in 87 games before being sold to Atletico Madrid.

The Championship club are searching for a replacement for Dave Hockaday, who was sacked by owner Massimo Cellino a fortnight ago after just 70 days in charge.

Fellow ex-striker Robbie Fowler is also believed to have applied for the role. Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 appearances for Liverpool before completing a £12m move to Leeds in 2001.

Leeds academy manager Neil Redfearn has been in temporary charge since Hockaday’s departure.