Ballack Headed to Stamford Bridge

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea is close to signing Michael Ballack from Bayern. And of course, he will be the highest-paid footballer in the world.

It's nice to not worry about the cost, either.

Like Beckham and Frank Lampard, Ballack is one of adidas's most high profile players and features prominently in their worldwide advertising campaigns.

It is hardly a coincidence that Chelsea will switch their kit supplier over from Umbro to adidas next season, when a new £100million, eight-year sponsorship deal begins. Mourinho does not intend to sell any of his midfielders to accommodate Ballack and will rotate them more frequently.