Manchester United are considering a shock Bosman move for released Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack. The Sunday Mirror says the 33-year-old midfielder is not short of offers, with three other Premier League clubs and a host of European rivals vying for his signature.
United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham face competition from three German clubs, two Italians and reported interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho, Real's new manager, originally brought Ballack to England in the summer of 2006 when they worked together at Chelsea. United also wanted Ballack when he became a free agent at Bayern Munich four years ago but lost out to Chelsea in that chase.
The Blues tabled a four-year contract on a staggering £130,000 a week.
Ballack enjoys superstar status in his homeland and was crowned German footballer of the year in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
It wouldn't be the first time that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sprung a surprise in the transfer market and caught other rivals cold.
Last summer he signed former England marksman Michael Owen on a free transfer from Newcastle and ignored widespread criticism from supporters who were against the signing because he had played for Liverpool.