Bayer Leverkusen have hinted that midfielder Michael Ballack could be allowed to leave the club before his current contract expires.

The player has previously stated his intention to leave the club at the end of his contract, which runs out this summer, but the former Germany captain may be able to move sooner than that.

Ballack is likely to move to the MLS, having been linked with the likes of Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.

Leverkusen owner Wolfgang Holzhauser told German magazine Focus: "His contract runs until June 30, but if he wants to leave before then, we can certainly talk about it."

The former Chelsea man is currently in his second spell at Leverkusen, having played there from 1999 to 2002.