Bayern change tack on Ballack

Germany captain Michael Ballack’s future at Bayern Munich is in doubt again after the Bundesliga club revealed they may offer the one-time Manchester United target a more modest contract.

The Bavarian side hope to sign Cologne striker Lukas Podolski in the summer and Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness has revealed that transfer could be financed by a reduced contract offer to Ballack.

Bayern withdrew their lucrative four-year offer to Ballack before Christmas and although they remain keen to keep the Germany captain, any further talks would be based around new terms.

That could mean money is freed up to try and lure Germany international Podolski to Bavaria.

“If Podolski comes to us, then we wouldn’t have any money left for an expensive number 10,” said Hoeness on DSF television.

Hoeness expects a decision from Podolski “in the next few weeks” while Ballack’s future is not expected to be decided “until March at the latest” despite his contract expiring this summer.