Agent says Ballack very interested in Chelsea
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-03 09:20

LONDON, March 2 (Reuters) - Chelsea's interest in Michael Ballack is reciprocated by the Bayern Munich playmaker, Ballack's agent said on Thursday.

"Nothing has been signed, but there will be ongoing contact with Chelsea," Michael Becker was quoted as telling the BBC on Thursday.

"There is strong interest from both sides. The trend is in this direction."

Earlier this week Ballack denied he had signed a four-year deal with the English champions. Becker said the interest of his 29-year-old client in moving to Real Madrid was cooling.

"Michael had initially been very keen on Real Madrid. But the leadership changes there in the last few months mean we don't know what's happening," Becker said.

"There has been a change in the whole set-up at Real and we don't know where we stand -- it's very confusing.

British newspaper reports on Thursday linked Ballack with a move to Inter Milan but Becker ruled this out.

"Michael will continue his career with a side that will win the Champions League.

"He definitely will not go to Inter Milan. He would only move to a club where he has a better chance of winning the Champions League than at Bayern.

"Inter are currently third in Serie A, whereas Bayern are top in the German league."