News: Michael Ballack snubbed Manchester United because Chelsea are a "stronger team" with better prospects.That was the message from the Germany captain as he signed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Ballack arrives from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in a deal reported to be worth £130,000 a week. Such a salary would make him the highest-paid footballer in England but he insists it is not the money which has lured him to London. Ballack (29) said: "Manchester United came in quite early for me but I saw the possibility of Chelsea being much greater. They are the stronger team.
"I analysed Chelsea's aims over the coming years and that attracted me. "They have won the title for the last two years. This proves what a super team they are when you consider the competition there is in England."
Meanwhile, Tottenham coach Martin Jol looks set to receive a bumper transfer kitty this summer after the club announced a £34 million sponsorship deal with internet casino group Mansion.
The club's coffers have already been swelled by their new kit deal with Puma as well as thousands of early season ticket renewals and now Jol should benefit further from the deal with Mansion.
The casino group replace shirt sponsors Thomson from July and there are signs Jol is already earmarking where some of his bumper transfer budget will be spent.
The club's decision not to comment on reports linking them with a move for Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov of Bayer Leverkusen has only served to underline their interest.
