Hasselbaink: Chelsea must keep hold of super Cesc

Former Chelsea hitman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is urging the Blues not to let creative midfielder Cesc Fabregas leave the club in the summer.

Spain international Fabregas has made 32 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season, but has made just ten league starts as opposed to 14 off the bench.

Despite his superb link-up play with striker Diego Costa, the former Arsenal and Barcelona man has found it difficult to break into manager Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, and a host of Europe’s top clubs are vying for his signature this summer as a result.

AC Milan seem his most likely destination, although Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Jose Mourinho at Manchester United are both reportedly interested in the star.

But Hasselbaink, who scored 70 goals for Chelsea in 136 games at the club, is adamant the Blues should not let one of their most creative players leave the club – especially with the strains of Champions League football on the horizon.

“I wouldn’t like to see him go,” he said.

“Chelsea don’t have enough players like Fabregas. He’s somebody who can open defences up, who is very good at giving the final pass and just creating.

“I know he hasn’t played as much as he would have wanted, because Chelsea have had a really settled side this year.

“But I do see him playing a lot more next year if he stays because of the Champions League.

“Things can change all the time in football, so I do see him playing a lot more. I don’t think Chelsea will let him go.”