Report: Real Madrid still after Germany's Ballack

Jul 24, 2005, 16:16 GMT

Madrid - Real Madrid are still after Germany captain Michael Ballack even though Bayern Munich have declared him not for sale, the Marca sports daily reported on Sunday.

Marca said that Real were willing to pay 10 million euros for Ballack and have contacted Ballack's manager and Munich.

Ballack, 28, has a contract in Munich until 2006 and can leave the Bundesliga champions for free if he intends to move elsewhere.

Ballack said he has no intention to leave now and was also earlier in the week declared not for sale by Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

However, Marca said that Ballack has agreed to a Madrid move, but did not source this claim.

Marca said that Real, who have also all but finalised a 25-million euro hiring of Brazil star Robinho, have time on their side and consider Munich's 22 million demand (a figure reportedly named by Munich president Franz Beckenbauer) excessive for a player whose contract expires in one year.

"If Ballack doesn't agree soon to renew his contract in Munich then the club has no choice but to sell him," Marca said. "The next days will lead to a decision".

Munich plan talks with Ballack's management during a Japan stint next week.

Ballack is reportedly also sought by Manchester United and Spartak Moscow.