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Ballack to decide on future next month

27/10/2005

Bayern Munich and Germany skipper Michael Ballack will decide on his future next month, according to his agent.

Ballack, who has been targeted by Manchester United, is out of contract in the summer and has so far resisted pressure to sign a new deal with the German champions.

United need to find a replacement for Roy Keane and Ballack is one of the few players in the world who could fill the Old Trafford legend's boots.

But Sir Alex Ferguson will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as Bayern, who are desperate to keep their star player.

Ballack was widely expected to move on after the World Cup and there were even reports in the summer that he had agreed to move to United once his contract expired.

But his agent Michael Becker has been quoted as saying that the player is yet to make up his mind and could stay in Bavaria.

"To be honest he is still completely undecided, and that is why he asked for a few more weeks to come to his decision," Becker said.

German footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer has said that if Ballack were to move then he should go to Real Madrid.

"They stand above all others in terms of legend," he said. "They're the ambition of everyone and it was the same in my time."

Ballack has made no secret of his desire to win the Champions League. Bayern have made a good start in the competition this season having won all three of their group games so far.

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