The agent of Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack, has denied reports he has come to a gentleman’s agreement to join Manchester United after the 2006 World Cup.
According to a report in today’s Guardian, Ballack has verbally agreed to join United and will sign a pre-contract agreement at Old Trafford next January.
But the player’s agent, Michael Becker, denied the existence of such a deal.
“There’s no pre-contract, no gentleman’s agreement,” he said.
“The only people we’re talking to at the moment are Bayern.”
Bayern insisted they had already offered Ballack an improved new contract.
“Everything’s in Ballack’s hands. I’d advise him to seize the opportunity,” said Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer.
But Bayern coach Felix Magath admitted there was a danger they could lose the their most influential player.
“Of course we want him to stay, but it’s in his hands,” he said.
Ballack turned down Real Madrid to join Bayern from Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.
