Freebie: Manchester United have reportedly entered
the race to sign free agent Michael Ballack
Sir Alex Ferguson has entered the race to sign free
agent Michael Ballack after the midfielder's release from Barclays
Premier League champions Chelsea.
The Manchester
United boss plans to offer the injured Germany captain a
one-year contract at Old Trafford with an option of a 12-month
extension, according to reports.
With reports suggesting United's American owners are
over a £1billion in debt, resources could be thin for Ferguson this
summer, who may be forced to scour the free market having already
spent £7.5million on Mexican recruit Javier Hernandez.
Ballack, who has never endeared himself to United players and
fans in the past, is wanted by a host of elite European clubs with
Real Madrid and Tottenham
also said to be keen to on the 33-year-old.
But a return to former club Bayer Leverkusen is off the cards
for Ballack after the Bundesliga club conceded the player's wage
demands would prove too excessive.
Sidelined: Ballack is out of the World Cup with an
ankle injury
Werder Bremen have distanced themselves with a move for
the same reasons but it is understood new Wolfsburg manager Steve
McClaren is interested in a deal.
Missing from the World Cup, Ballack is currently recuperating
from an ankle injury he sustained during Chelsea's FA Cup win over
Portsmouth last month.
Ballack scored four goals in 38 appearances last term to help
the Blues to the title but he was released after snubbing a
12-month
