Munich Ready to Offload Ballack

United Bound?
By Chris O'Brien
November 15 2005

A January bid for Michael Ballack looks likely after Bayern Munich withdrew a contract offer for the midfielder. The 29-year-old could be available at a bargain price with his contract in Germany ending at the end of the current season.

Manchester United's chances of signing well-regarded German midfielder Michael Ballack seem to have increased with his club withdrawing an offer of a new contract.

The Bayern Munich star has been subject to mammoth transfer speculation this season, and Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be a keen admirer of the 29-year-old. His contract ends at the end of the season, meaning Ballack could become a free agent, so the Bundesliga giants now look likely to cash-in on their prize asset during the January transfer window.

"We officially withdrew our offer," said club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "That doesn't necessarily mean he will leave but we will immediately sound out the market to look for a replacement."

Ballack has won two domestic crowns and two German cups with Bayern but is thought to be craving a new challenge and would favour a move across the continent in the New Year. He looks certain to have plenty of offers with Arsenal, Inter Milan and Real Madrid all believed to be rivals to the Red Devils for the player's signature.

What could scupper a possible deal is that Ballack has represented Bayern in the Champions League this season and is therefore cup-tied for the rest of the season. With his contract expiring at the end of the season and the player unavailable for European competition, he will be available at a cut-price and offers must now be expected when the transfer window re-opens.