Chelsea Football Club hope to secure Michael Ballack to a new contract this week.

The German international has been at Stamford Bridge since the summer of 2006, and despite his advancing years, Carlo Ancelotti considers him a key member of his squad.

Out of contract in the summer, the 33-year-old is said to be attracting interest from his homeland, but the Londoners are confident of agreeing a new deal with him.

Ballack has indicated in the past that he would be willing to see out his playing days with the club, and the Guardian claim talks could be concluded this week.

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