Michael Ballack hopes to open new contract talks with Chelsea next month.

Ballack, 33, is out of contract next summer but hopes to finalise a new deal before Christmas, with talks at an advanced stage and Carlo Ancelotti anxious to keep the player.

"It's about what both sides want. We'll sit down together soon and there's no pressure," Ballack told the Sunday Times. "I like the club and I like London, and it would be perfect if I could stay."