
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been told he is free to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
The veteran star was believed to be a target for Queens Park Rangers in January but a move never materialised.
But now the Bundesliga side has confirmed they will let the 35-year-old leave before his contract expires in the summer, opening the door to renewed interest from Mark Hughes’ side.
Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauer said: “Our contract with Ballack runs until June 30. If he wants to get out early, we can certainly discuss that.”