Hitzfeld: Real Madrid need Ballack

German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has told Real Madrid they must sign Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack.
 
Real and Manchester United are regarded as the frontrunners for the Germany captain, who is off contract at the end of this season.

Hitzfeld said: "Real Madrid needs to rebuild their team."

"Roberto Carlos is too old, Zidane is too tired and Salgado runs a thousand kilometres a game and is also tired."

"Real need a player like Ballack because Michael is also strong defensively and they need someone like that."

"Real only signed attacking players, if it had also bought excellent defenders they would now be invincible."