Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster has revealed he is interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.Schuster is a big admirer of his fellow German and would like to bring him to El Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid have held a long-term interest in Ballack, but lost out to Chelsea last summer for the midfielder's signature.
Ballack endured a difficult first season at Chelsea last term failing to live up to expectations and Jose Mourinho raised doubts over the German's future earlier in July by claiming Ballack could not guaranteed a place in his side.
Schuster, who is also chasing Chelsea's Arjen Robben, believes Ballack would be a suitable addition to the Real side.
"With his class, he fits perfectly to Real Madrid," Schuster told German public television station ARD.
"I can very well imagine him playing for my team.
"I thought about Michael before he went to Chelsea.
"He was linked with Real back then, when it was clear [Zinedine] Zidane was leaving.
"He would be the link between midfield and attack and would really be perfect."
Schuster also claimed Chelsea's asking price and Ballack's salary would not be a problem for Real.
It remains to be seen however, whether Chelsea would be willing to let Ballack move as they look to assemble a squad capable of wrestling the Premier League crown back from Manchester United next season.