The Wanted Man!

Michael Ballack is a wanted man now. At the end of the season, he becomes a free agent and so all the 'high profile' clubs are taking a peek at him. His agent has openly stated that he would move only to a club which can win the Champions League - and that kinda rules out ManU. If you ask me (and you better do!), Chelsea, Milan, Real were promising clubs for Ballack, but right now Chelsea look set to land the German skipper. I was wondering how big an impact he would make and came up with the following...

Chelsea - They do have the money and the trophies to attract, but will he get the same star treatment he got at Bayern and will he get as many starts given the massive midfield of the blues which include Lampard, Robben, Essien, Duff, and the impressive Cole? There are rumours that he will be playing the role of a Striker, and that could be a possibility considering the form of Drogba, Crespo (who, I must say, is doing a good job now), Gudjohnson and Carlton Cole.

AC Milan - The Italian Giants would love to get the services of Ballack, but they do have a formidable midfield of Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, rui Costa, Vogel and the amazing Brazilian - Kaka. And unlike the other teams, they just do not keep buying all the stars, so Milan have to be an outside runner. But, all aside, if he joins Milan, he would make a great addition to the squad.

Real Madrid - Off late, with all the confusion and several coaches in a couple of seasons, Real look to be a team in constant turmoil. With all the Galacticos, Ballack would be another addition (just another addition perhaps) and their current form would not even attract a midfielder who is on the bench in another team.

Liverpool - The Champions of Europe may have caught the Germans' eye, but am not sure if he would be able to fit into the Red's team based on their playing style. Moreover, they are solid in the midfield now and would not need anyone now. Unless the unthinkable happens and Gerrard leaves!

Arsenal - Arsenal would love to have him at highbury as a replacement for Vieira - whose departure to Juventus kinda triggered a downward spiral for the Gunners. Keeping that in mind, Ballack would be a welcome prospect for Arsenal and might even have a say in Henry's thoughts about staying with the Gunners.

Man Utd - Another team who would like to have Ballack in their red jersey is Man U. The shock departure of Keane left a gaping hole in the midfield which is still wide open. The short term replacements look like they are failing big time. The once proud and formidable midfield quartet of a fiery Scholes, Giggs, Beckham and Keane has vanished and now we see a makeshift midfielder in Smith, Park, Fletcher and Ronaldo making up the mid four. Ballack would be an ideal replacement for Keane and Man Utd would be a good choice, but being bundled out of the Champions League might prove decisive.

Juventus - Though there has not been any serious - or even thought - ideas about Juventus, they are certainly one of the big guns and I would not be surprised if they win the coveted Champions League this year , especially with the current form of del Piero (who, a lot of critics wrote off last year). And the signing of Vieira has strengthened their midifield to complete the team. With Buffon between the posts, conceding goals will not be too much of worry. Ballack should maybe think about it!! ;)

Having said and analysed all this, it still looks like Stampford Bridge is where he will land...Well, if he does, may God be with him!!!