Mourinho: I want Ballack

CHELSEA boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed he wants to sign Michael Ballack - and is waiting for the Germany captain to give him an answer.

"I want him. He has said he needs time before making a decision. I respect that. Now it's up to him," Mourinho said. He also said that Ballack joining would not signal Frank Lampard's exit. "For me in Europe there's only Frank Lampard who plays at that level. The two would form a dream pair."

Lampard has been linked with Barcelona with Ballack's arrival being seen in some quarters as a signal of his possible departure from Chelsea.