English Premiership champions Chelsea have confirmed that they have been in discussions with Michael Ballack over a proposed move by the Germany captain from Bayern Munich to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Early on Thursday, Ballack announced that he'd had “serious talks” with the London club, a view subsequently backed up by Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon.

“I would echo that we are in serious negotiations. 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,” Kenyon confirmed in an interview with BBC Radio London.

Until now Ballack's agent Michael Becker has been the only one to reveal details about the ongoing transfer talks with Chelsea and this is the first time Ballack and Chelsea have both admitted that a deal is close to being finalised.

“There have been serious talks. Nothing has been signed yet but I know what I want,” Ballack said at a book presentation in Munich.

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

The 29-year-old midfielder has turned down a four-year contract extension with Bayern Munich and is available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has already openly expressed his interest in the German striker and the club, who are owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, are reportedly prepared to make him the world's highest-paid player with a weekly salary of £121,000 ($211,000).

Bayern’s boss Uli Hoeness this week hit out at the German star for only being interested in making more money at Chelsea and Ballack was recently jeered by his own fans in a league match.

Ballack has insisted he is not just motivated by the massive wage-packet, claiming his desire to play in other countries leagues before hanging up his boots was the most important thing.

Ballack turned down a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2002 to join Bayern from fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

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