SOCCER: Alex Ferguson yesterday declared Manchester United's interest in Michael Ballack to be over despite confirming they had been in talks with Germany's captain for the past five months.

United have been informed Ballack has changed his mind about moving to Manchester in the face of interest from Real Madrid and, anxious not to lose face, Ferguson was keen to make it look as though it was his decision rather than the player's. Privately despondent yet refusing to show even the faintest flicker of regret, the official line from Ferguson is he has decided Ballack to be an unnecessary luxury. "He's a terrific player, a fabulous player, but he plays in the same area where we already have Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, so we've decided to rule it out."

It is a flawed argument given Ferguson must have been aware of Ballack's role when he instructed United's chief executive David Gill to open talks with the player's agent Michael Becker last June. United were so convinced the midfielder wanted to join them one official described it as "almost a done deal", revealing a gentleman's agreement was in place. United also let it be known a financial package had been put together which would have made Ballack the best paid player in the Premiership, with an annual salary of £6 million.

Since then Real Madrid have moved into the equation and Ferguson has been faced by the possibility of Ballack joining Ronaldinho and Arjen Robben as high-profile targets who have been snatched from his grasp. Italian clubs are also interested, but Ballack is swayed by the prospect of a move to the Bernabeu.

"We've given Michael Ballack a lot of consideration for the last few months," Ferguson added. "We knew his contract was up at Bayern Munich next summer so we spoke to his people and we've had a lot of discussions since. But the priority has always been to find someone who could replace Roy Keane and Ballack plays a different role. We need to look at other players now; players we actually need."

Inadvertently Ferguson was revealing United had made illegal approaches to Ballack, who is barred from speaking to prospective employers until January 1st.

Ferguson also admitted he is not assured of bringing in players during January. "We're fairly lightweight in terms of numbers and physically, too, when it comes to midfield, certainly when compared to Chelsea. It's not an easy task. You certainly can't guarantee that January will be a buying time for us. The players we would all like are cup-tied in Europe and any club doing well will not want to sell anyone, let alone to Manchester United."

One player who reportedly fits the criterion is Aldo Duscher of Deportivo La Coruna, who is being touted around Europe and has been linked with Old Trafford. The Manchester-based agent Francis Martin, who has close ties with Ferguson, has also been given the mandate of helping the Argentinian's Spanish agent find an English club but there has been no interest registered by United yet.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will not face charges over a rape allegation made in October. The Portuguese winger was interviewed after a woman claimed he had raped her in a London hotel. But Scotland Yard has told him there is insufficient evidence to pursue a case.

Guardian Service