Van Basten can count on the endorsement of Johan Cruyff, who remains close to Barca president Joan Laporta, and would put the prospect of returning to the club game with Barca ahead of hometown outfit Ajax.
The arrival of Van Basten would also ensure the continuity of the Dutch influence on Barca, which is favoured by the board ahead of the prospect of major disruptions by bringing in another candidate who doesn't agree with Rijkaard's football philosophy.
