Michael Ballack could be a Chelsea player before the start of the World Cup this summer after the midfielder's agent Michael Becker confirmed that the Premiership champions are the only club he is negotiating with and that a deal could be struck before the World Cup Finals begin in June.

The 29-year-old Bayern Munich captain is out of contract in May and Becker told BBC Sport Online: “The transfer window opens in May and the World Cup is coming up. I think there is definitely something happening before the World Cup.

“There is interest from other clubs but Chelsea are the only club we are talking to at the moment. Right now we are exclusively talking to Chelsea.”

Ballack's expected arrival has prompted fears Frank Lampard could be set for a move to Barcelona. The Spanish giants, who knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League, have been long-time admirers of the England midfielder, but Mourinho has stated that he wants the two to play together.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has spoken about his high regard for Bayern Munich's out-of-contract midfielder Michael Ballack and his wish to sign the talented international.

The Germany captain will be out of contract at the end of this season and has already said he would like a move to the English Premiership champions.

Speaking in the Bild newspaper, the Portuguese coach lauded the qualities of the Germany captain who he hopes to be able to field in his Chelsea side next season.

“Ballack is a very intelligent footballer and is very strong tactically,” said Mourinho.

“He fits into any system, has a high level of fitness and a fantastic technique. I can only name (Frank) Lampard and Ballack who are at this level in Europe. Together, they would be a dream pairing.”

Ballack, who can leave Bayern in the summer on a Bosman free, is likely to join the Premiership champions on a four-year contract in the summer and will be rewarded by becoming the highest-paid footballer in the world.

Ballack's salary - a reported £121,000 a week, is likely to cause some unrest among the squad, where players such as John Terry, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard, who have made huge contributions to the club's success, may seek improved contracts now the wage threshold has been raised.

Bayern Munich were hoping to tempt Ballack with a new improved contract, but it now seems that the talented midfielder will be leaving for the Premiership this summer.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati