Source: Team_Talk
Bundesliga pair can't afford Ballack
Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen today suggested they would be unable to offer Michael Ballack a return to Germany on financial grounds.[LNB] Germany captain Ballack, who will miss the World Cup after damaging ankle ligaments in the FA Cup final, will be a free agent when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the month.[LNB]He claims to have "some options" in his homeland but both Bremen and former club Leverkusen believe his wage demands would price them out.[LNB]Bremen's general manager Klaus Allofs told Kicker: "Although it would be nice it is an illusion."[LNB]Ballack played for Leverkusen from 1999 to 2002 but business manager Wolfgang Holzhauser is another who believes the 33-year-old is out of range.[LNB]He added: "The relationship between Bayer and Michael Ballack was always special and we were an important step in his career.[LNB]"A question is whether we could afford such a move now.[LNB]"We have not had any talks on the issue as yet but I must say I have my doubts."[LNB]The most obvious candidates for the midfielder's signature are Bayern Munich, who Ballack left for Stamford Bridge in 2006, and Wolfsburg.[LNB]Bayern have the financial muscle while Wolfsburg, backed by automotive giants Volkswagen, could also make a move.[LNB]
