Germany [Images] captain Michael Ballack [Images] on Wednesday put an end to rumours he might join Manchester United [Images] by saying he had had discussions with his club Bayern Munich and was not in talks with other teams.

"I spoke with Bayern Munich and it was a good discussion. That is where things stand. I haven't spoken with anyone else, nor do I want to," Ballack said.

The midfielder, named Germany's player of the year for a third time last week, said he wanted to concentrate on Bundesliga favourites Bayern.

Ballack denied reports the club had given him a deadline by which to decide whether to extend his contract which runs until July 2006.

The club are encouraging Ballack to stay on.

"No one has spoken about a deadline. On the contrary, I have been told to take my time thinking things over and that the club would be happy if I decided to extend my contract," he said.

British newspaper The Guardian said earlier this week that Manchester United had lined up Ballack to join them next season.

Ballack's agent Michael Becker said on Tuesday that United had made an inquiry through an intermediary but he himself had not discussed a possible move with the English club.

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