Michael Ballack is set to be rewarded by handing a new deal as Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon hailed the Germany midfielder.

The 32-year-old central midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2006 on a free transfer from Bayern Munich and reports had claimed that he chose the Blues over English giants Manchester United.

Although the former Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen star failed to show his top form in the first season with the west London club, Ballack was in great touch last term and also stressed that he wants to stay with Chelsea till the end of his career.

Ballack’s current contract expires in June and talks are yet to start over a new deal, but Kenyon has indicated that the option to extend his stay is just a matter of days.

He told The Sun: "Michael has played a great part for Chelsea and there is no reason for us not to exercise that option."