Ballack agrees terms with Chelsea

Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has agreed to sign a four-year contract with Chelsea, the German public broadcaster ZDF said on Wednesday.

The network reported on its website that Germany captain Ballack and the English champions had agreed terms and the only thing that remained was for the two sides to sign a contract.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has played for Bayern for the last four years and will be free to leave the German champions at the end of June, said earlier this month that he was in advanced talks with Chelsea.

"ZDF has learnt that Michael Ballack and the English champions have agreed to a four-year contract," the German broadcaster said. "The Germany captain and London club only have to sign the contract now."

There was no immediate comment from Ballack or Bayern while a Chelsea spokesman said: "There is no further comment from the club at this time".

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was quoted in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper last Sunday saying:

"He (Ballack) has got everything. His intelligence on the pitch impresses me. I've been watching him for a long time. I like him as a person. But he has to make a decision before the World Cup."

The finals being hosted by Germany kick off on June 9.