Ballack talking only to Chelsea, says agent

MICHAEL BALLACK could be a Chelsea player before the start of the World Cup this summer.

The midfielder’s agent Michael Becker confirmed Chelsea were the only club he was negotiating with and that a deal could be struck before his client leads Germany into the World Cup on home soil.

The Bayern Munich player is out of contract in May and Becker said: “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.”

Ballack’s expected arrival has prompted fears Frank Lampard could be set for a move to Barcelona. The Spanish giants have been long-time admirers of the England midfielder.