Chelski hold Ballack talks

[Taliq]

Peter Kenyon has confirmed that Chelsea have begun negotiations with German international midfielder Michael Ballack about a possible move to the club.

Ballack earlier revealed to the German press that he was in serious talks with the club, but Chelsea made no comment about the situation.

Jose Mourinho has been a long-term admirer of the Bayern Munich star and Stamford Bridge has long been the rumoured destination for the playmaker.

The club's chief executive has now confirmed Chelsea's contact with the 29-year-old, who is a free agent in the summer when his contract at the Allianz Arena expires.

"I would echo that we are in serious negotiations," Kenyon told BBC Radio London 94.9.

"Clearly he is an outstanding and big player so I think we are in good, serious negotiations with him and would echo what he said.

"We are at a good stage and I am delighted as to where we are."

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has admitted defeat in his battle to keep Ballack at the club.

The German giants reportedly offered Ballack as much as €36 million (£25 million) to stay with the club, but the midfielder has decided to move to pastures new.

"From our point of view, it is clear he will leave the club so there are no more efforts to keep him," said Hoeness.

"It is a professional situation, his contract is finished so it is up to him to decide."

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=379223&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=3&title=Kenyon:+Ballack+in+talks


With Ballack (possibly) coming in and Filipe Oliveira, Joe Keenan, Maniche,Lassana Diarra, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Damien Duff, Geremi, Arjen Robben and SWP already there, it seems there might be a bit of a clear out on the cards. I mean 13 players for 4 maybe 5 positions is crazy.

Who do you think's gonna go?

 

[DPG iz all I C]

I thought if they signed Ballack then he was gonna be played as more of a striker ?

anyway hes a great player.

 

[tHuG $TyLe]

I heard Essien is on his way out, Jose isnt happy with his wingers also

 

[Illuminattile]

Maniche is on loan
Keenan, Oliveira and Diarra are second-string
Geremi is used more as a right back

Mourinho likes to have two players for each position, which I guess means:

Defensive mid: Makelele/Essien/
Attacking mid (x2): Lampard/Gudjohnsen/Ballack/
Left winger: Duff/Robben
Right winger: SWP/Joe Cole

Not too bad. Makelele's getting on a bit, so Essien or Diarra might be used in that position more and more. I can't see too many of those players being released, unless they're seriously unhappy.

 

[Bobby Sands]

I think Duff will go and i hope he does.Chelsea negative tactics dont suit him.Duff is best at running at and past defenders.Its obvious to me that Mourinho doesnt give him or SWP for that matter license to do this.Remember Duff at the last World Cup.If Duff does go,i hope he moves to another big club though.

I reckon Gudjohnsson will go.Geremi will go anyway.

Didnt realise Chelsea signed Maniche until last week when he was sent off.He is a very good player.

 

[Illuminattile]

They got Maniche in January on a 6-month loan to replace Essien, who was at the ACN. They can buy him for £5m.

 

[Bobby Sands]

He will leave Dinamo Moscow in the summer.As far as i know he hasnt enjoyed his stay in Russia.I mean,why would a Portuguese International move to Russia? $$$$ thats why.

 

[The.Menace]

I really don't think Ballack is that great player. He's good, but not as good as anyone thinks in my opinion, I dunno where all the hype is comin from, really and I think he will struggle behind Lampard....

 

[Bobby Sands]

I think he is a great player.He is always good for Germany and Bayern.He has everything in his game.Passing,Tackling,Shooting.Heading and is very clever on the ball.A good leader as well.He is moving on a bit now so maybe he will start to decline now.