Chelsea have opened new contract talks with Michael Ballack.

The Guardian says the Germany captain, who returns from a one-match suspension against West Ham United tomorrow, continues to be considered by the manager Carlo Ancelotti as an influential figure in the squad.

The 33-year-old Ballack's representatives held talks with the club's hierarchy earlier this week, although an agreement in such matters is rarely swift. The development follows moves by Chelsea to tie their striker Nicolas Anelka to a longer-term deal at Stamford Bridge.