Michael Ballack's suitors plot bids as Steve McClaren enters race for ditched Chelsea man

10 June 2010 08:46
Steve McClaren is ready to join the bidding for Michael Ballack as the chase hots up for the freed Chelsea midfielder.[LNB]Wolfsburg, Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen have all expressed interest and Real Madrid are poised in the wings, as revealed by Sportsmail. [LNB]But with Jose Mourinho prioritising his transfer targets, and initially trying to prise Steven Gerrard away from Anfield, Ballack, 33, may explore the offers from the Bundesliga clubs first rather than wait.[LNB] Battle-weary: Michael Ballack has split fan opinion during his four years at Chelsea[LNB]Germany coach Joachim Loew confirmed that Ballack had received 'several interesting approaches'. [LNB]The injured Germany skipper, on holiday in Miami, is still idolised at Leverkusen in particular and would be offered the chance to move into management after hanging up his boots while Wolfsburg's general manager Dieter Hoeness confirmed he would discuss Ballack with McClaren. [LNB] Out-of-contract Ballack emerges as target for new Real boss MourinhoJoe Cole in limbo as Chelsea confirm midfielder's Stamford Bridge exitBallack told to retire from international football and concentrate on Chelsea CHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail