Hasselbaink joins Charlton, Benitez begins summer clearout

Transfer news: Charlton have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on a free transfer.

The club have called a press conference at The Valley to unveil the 34-year-old, who had talks with Celtic last week but could not agree a deal.

Charlton moved quickly to agree personal terms and, after a medical, the Dutchman will now join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training.

"He brings leadership to the club. He is a leader generally around the place, in the dressing room and on the pitch. He's played internationally for Holland and his goal record is outstanding," manager Iain Dowie told the club's website, www.cafc.co.uk.

"He brings goals to the club and also an infectious enthusiasm - he is a bubbly character and always has a smile on his face."

Meanwhile, Djibril Cisse has joined Marseille from Liverpool on a season's loan.  The 24-year-old is to be officially introduced to the local media tomorrow, according to reports in France.

Cisse missed the World Cup finals in Germany after he broke his leg during France's last warm-up match against China on June 7th.

Cisse is not expected to be back in action before October.

The striker joined the Merseyside side from AJ Auxerre in 2004. Manager Rafael Benitez usually put him on the bench last season.

Cisse said he wanted to come back to France, Marseille being his first choice of club.

Benitez has also offloaded goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who has signed for Wigan on a six-month loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

The 25-year-old former Coventry player has been training with the Latics and will play under Paul Jewell at the JJB Stadium for at least the first half of the season.

Earlier today it seemed as though Bolton had won the battle to sign veteran German midfielder Dietmar Hamann after he was told by Benitez that he was surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Although it had been widely anticipated the player would sign for Manchester City, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce stepped in with a successful 11th-hour offer.

However, it has now emerged that Hamann has rejected a move to the Reebok and will now sign for Manchester City after all.

In a statement, the club said: "Bolton wish to clarify that although Didi Hamann signed a contract with the club, he has since had a change of heart and will sign for another football club in the next 24 hours."