Dutchman will not rule out a move

CHELSEA striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has stressed he is happy with life at Chelsea but said he would not rule out a move.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Barcelona and his enthusiasm for a switch to the Nou Camp has led many to believe his days at Stamford Bridge are numbered.

''It's not that I want to leave or put in a transfer request, I don't," he said. ''But I'm just saying you never know.''

He continued: ''I was asked by a Spanish newspaper if I would be interested and I said that if a club like that comes to you then you are going to be flattered and you'll listen to the offer. That's all I've said.

''I don't know any more about Barcelona or this whole thing.

''I love playing for Chelsea but I'm a professional and I want to play at the highest level, and if a club like Barcelona comes in you have to think about it.''

On last night's game he acknowledged United should have had a penalty when Carlo Cudicini fouled Paul Scholes in the penalty area.

He said: ''They deserved a penalty but they didn't get it luckily for us. But 2-2 is a fair result."

United boss Alex Ferguson revealed afterwards he hopes to make a signing in the next couple of days. ''Hopefully we can do something by Monday. We're very close to one or two things. But time is running out,'' he said.

Ferguson said Rio Ferdinand is close to a return, although he may not feature in Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Zalaegerszeg.

''I didn't think tonight was worth the risk. He will certainly be fit for next Saturday but it's touch and go for Tuesday,'' he said.

On tonight's contest he said: ''I think it was a fantastic game of football - the pace and commitment of both teams made it an engrossing game.

''Gianfranco Zola caused us a lot of problems in the first half but losing the goal just before half time gave us a mountain to club.

''But in the second half we were fantastic - I was very pleased with my players.''

On the penalty that was not awarded, he said, ''I haven't seen it but everyone says it was a clear penalty. You are going to have to face these obstacles."

''But I think everyone at the game saw Manchester United playing very good tonight, with great passing, movement, drive and enthusiasm in the second half. I was very pleased.''

He was impressed by the performance of young defender John O'Shea and added: ''We know the future's very bright for the boy - he's improving all the time."