Bayer open to Michael Ballack departure

Bayer open to Michael Ballack departure

Published Aug. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller is open to former Germany captain Michael Ballack leaving the club if he wants to.

Voeller told TV station Sport1 on Sunday that the two men would ''sit down together and find a reasonable solution'' if Ballack receives an offer before the transfer window closes on Aug. 31.

The 34-year-old Ballack has been unable to establish himself in Leverkusen's starting lineup this season and Voeller suggests he should ''accept'' his role as a substitute.

Voeller says ''there are players who are a bit better at the moment. So he must be patient.''

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Ballack has been linked with a move to Felix Magath's Wolfsburg.

Ballack earned 98 caps for Germany before falling out with coach Joachim Loew.

Bayer Leverkusen, second place finishers in last season's German Bundesliga, drew 0-0 this weekend with defending league champions Borussia Dortmund.

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