Bayern fear loss of Ballack to Chelsea

BAYERN MUNICH fear they may lose playmaker Michael Ballack to Chelsea, admitting the millions of Russian owner Roman Abramovich are making it difficult to compete.

German international captain Ballack, aged 28, is contracted at the Olympic Stadium until 2006 and Bayern are struggling to put together a financial package to prevent the midfield star from jumping ship.

“It goes without saying that we want to keep Michael in Munich and will hold talks with him,” Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said. “I imagine his current contract can be improved, but Mr Abramovich seems to be printing money at home and there is nothing you can do to combat that.”

In 50 appearances for Germany Ballack has scored an impressive 22 goals. He almost joined Barcelona for 12m after Euro 2004 when Bayern admitted they were prepared to let him go for the right price.