Patient Ballack denies Juve move

GERMANY’S star midfielder and captain Michael Ballack has denied Italian press reports he had agreed a deal with Italian giants Juventus.

Ballack, whose Bayern Munich contract comes to an end in June, said: “There is nothing new in my situation.”

And Ballack’s agent, Michael Becker, said: “We have neither had any discussions with Juventus nor signed a contract. His next contract is the most important of his career. It’s not just about the financial side. The sporting aspect is very important too.

“In fact the sporting side is the most important thing in Michael’s eyes and that’s why nothing has been decided yet,” continued Becker, who said a decision would be made by the start of the World Cup on June 9.

“Ideally, everything should be settled by the next Champions League match,” on Feb 21 against Milan.