Michael Ballack turns down MLS move to stay with Bayer Leverkusen until the summer

The agent of the veteran has revealed that the player will not move in this transfer window, but admitted that a summer move to China, USA or the Middle East is possible

By Vasil Kotsev

Bayer Leverkusen, Michael Ballack
Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack is set to remain at the club at least until the end of the season, according to his representative.

Speaking to Spiegel, Michael Becker, the agent of the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea man, revealed that the player will honour his contract, and will not move in the current transfer window.

The representative, however, conceded that Ballack is likely to leave B04 at the end of the season for a club based outside of Europe.

"Michael will not leave today, this is for sure," Becker is quoted as saying. "After his contract with Leverkusen expires, he could go to China, Arabia or the United States."

Ballack had been subject of much interest from Major League Soccer, with expansion side Montreal Impact seemingly at the top of the list. The club will now have to focus on other transfer targets ahead of the 2012 season which kicks off in March.

The agent went on to dismiss rumors regarding a possible switch for Michael Ballack to Manchester United, branding them untrue.

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