Chelsea given Ballack opportunity

Premiership leaders Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign midfielder Michael Ballack by Bayern Munich.

Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon said that the club had been approached about buying the 29-year-old, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

And Spanish giants Real Madrid have also been given permission to negotiate with the German international.

"Ballack has been offered to Chelsea and Real Madrid," said Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"I have a good friendship with Florentino Perez of Real Madrid and with Peter Kenyon of Chelsea, and both have informed me of everything that has happened."

Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane wants Ballack to join his team even though it would mean increased competition for him.

"If there is someone with the qualities for Real Madrid, then that is Ballack," Zidane told German newspaper Bild.

"I won't give up my place that easily, but we would welcome him with open arms. He is in great form this season."