Ballack sets deadline on future

[Mac 10 †]

Ballack sets deadline on future

Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack will name the club he intends to join next season before the World Cup finals, which start on 9 June.
 
Ballack, 29, is out of contract in the summer and has held negotiations with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho regarding a move to the Premiership champions.

The former Bayer Leverkusen player said: "I will talk about my next club just before the World Cup."

He has played in Germany for all of his career but is keen on a move abroad.

In April, the Germany captain spoke on the subject of a possible transfer to Chelsea and stated: "There have been serious talks. Nothing has been signed yet but I know what I want.

"I always wanted to play abroad at some stage. This is the last chance for me to do this."

It has been reported that Ballack asked Mourinho for a guaranteed place in the first team but the Chelsea boss has refused, causing the potential transfer to stall.