United set out to lure Ballack

Manchester United are so determined to sign Michael Ballack they are willing to make him the highest paid player in the English Premiership's history, with an annual salary in excess of £6 million.

The financial package on offer to Ballack would be even more lucrative than the ones Roman Abramovich is prepared to pay players at Chelsea, where Frank Lampard is understood to be the highest earner on £5 million a year. Rio Ferdinand is currently United's best-paid player, with a £5.5-million deal, but Ballack would take the pay structure to a new high.

Although Ballack is available on a free transfer, a five-year contract would cost the club's new owners in excess of £30 million, the sort of sum that many people at Old Trafford had started to suspect was beyond the Glazers's means.

They have not been prodigious spenders since assuming control of the club in June. Their net expenditure on transfers is only £2 million and the wage bill has actually been reduced. Signing Ballack would be a statement of intent as well as being an impressive PR coup, albeit one that is unlikely to win over the sizeable anti-Glazer factions among United's fans.

United have been convinced since July that the midfielder wants to join them. After first registering their interest six months ago, United believe they have a verbal agreement, giving them a headstart over Real Madrid and a host of Italian clubs. A successful conclusion would have repercussions for Roy Keane, whose contract expires in July, particularly if the Glazers need to reduce the wage bill.

Didier Zokora, St Etienne's Ivory Coast international, has also been targeted but it is understood that United's chief scout Jim Lawlor recently informed the player's agent that Ferguson had other priorities.

United snapped up one of the brightest young talents in African football yesterday after spotting the 15-year-old Daude Massude playing in an under-17s tournament for Mozambique.

Guardian Service