Bayern withdraw Ballack contract extension offer
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-15 11:12

BERLIN, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer to extend Germany captain Michael Ballack's contract beyond the end of the season.

"We officially withdrew our offer today," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Monday at the club's annual meeting in Munich.

Rummenigge said the club had met with 29-year-old Ballack on Monday and the midfielder told them he had still not reached a decision about his future.

"(That) does not necessarily mean that Michael will leave us but I say point blank that we will immediately sound out the market to look for a replacement," Rummenigge said.

Ballack, Germany's Player of the Year, is reportedly a target for Europe's top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus.

If he decides not to re-sign with the German champions Bayern could sell Ballack during the January transfer window before his contract expires at the end of June.

Ballack has won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups with Bayern Munich but has repeatedly said his major ambition is to win the Champions League.