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Mourinho wants dream Ballack-Lampard pairing
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-14 08:48

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Not content with having one of the largest squads in Europe, English champions Chelsea want to add another top-class midfielder to their ranks by capturing German international captain Michael Ballack.

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho revealed Monday that Chelsea are waiting for Ballack, currently at Bayern Munich, to decide whether he wants to move to Stamford Bridge next season.

"Ballack is worth at least 25 million pounds (45 million dollars) and I want him," Mourinho said in an interview with Bild newspaper.

"He said he needs time before making a decision. I respect that and now it is up to him."

Chelsea, bankrolled by billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich, are not afraid to pay out huge transfer fees but it is just a big wage package they require this time with Ballack out of contract at the end of the season.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make the 29-year-old Ballack the world's highest-paid player with a weekly salary of 121,000 pounds (177,600 euros, 210,900 dollars).

Ballack guarantees goals, as his record of 29 goals in 62 German internationals proves, and Chelsea certainly lacked a cutting edge in their recent last 16 Champions League exit to Barcelona.

Ballack's aerial threat and ruthless finishing would certainly benefit Chelsea but where does Mourinho plan to play him?

Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Maniche, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Arjen Robben, Geremi Damien Duff, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Shaun Wright-Phillips are already competing for the midfield berths.

Mourinho indicated that the German midfielder would fit into the Chelsea system and even play alongside England's attacking international midfielder Lampard.

"Ballack is very fit and scores a lot of goals. In Europe I only know Lampard and Ballack who play at this level," Mourinho declared.
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