Hasselbaink wants Leeds in the PL

Former Leeds United forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is backing Leeds to make a return to the Premier League. 

Despite leaving to join Atletico Madrid in a big-money move the 46-year-old admitted the club remains close to his heart and hopes they will return to England's top flight soon.

He told 'Sky Sports': "It is a club that needs to be in the Premier League. All clubs if they get to the Premier League deserve to be there but I definitely think that Leeds will add another dimension.

"They're such a big club, the fans are absolutely amazing and the stadium is always rocking so if they can get themselves to the Premier League it will be better with them in it."

Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 and have not returned since, however Hasselbaink has been impressed by Leeds' form under Marcelo Bielsa. 

Bielsa came in with a big reputation," he added. "He's been coaching and managing for a long, long time so we knew how he played. We know how he is and what he is about.

"Last week I went to see Bielsa in training and had a chat with him and to see what he's doing. Everybody's talking about him - Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino - they are all talking about him.

"They are all looking at him and learning from him and that is one of the reasons why I wanted to go and see him as well.

"It was very impressive to see him work, to see his methods and to get an understanding, and I think Leeds has got a really bright future ahead."