Michael Ballack has been given until Monday to make up his mind over a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser has told the former Chelsea man time is running out for him to decide whether he will rejoin his old club.
"By the start of training on Monday we want clarity," Holzhauser said in the Express newspaper.
Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller insisted, though, Ballack will not be hurried into a decision.
He said: "We a battling with a host of good clubs for Michael's services. We have good arguments on our sides. I hope he opts for us.
"We will not put Michael under pressure. It certainly does not depend on one or two days."
Ballack, who is missing the World Cup through injury, was released by Chelsea at the end of last season.
Bayer, with whom the 33-year-old reached the Champions League final in 2002 before joining Bayern Munich, are keen on acquiring a player of Ballack's experience as they seek to challenge for the Bundesliga title next season, while Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg are also reportedly interested.
Source: PA
