Chelsea’s ability to magically persuade Ballack who had been bound for Manchester United, to sign on the dotted line for the Blues, has to be the standard for modern magicians.

It appears that when comparing the two clubs it was Chelsea who have the ambitions and playing staff to match Ballack’s own needs for development and success.

All in the garden is not rosy, there may not have been one of the biggest transfer fees in the history of Abramovich’s reign, but this could be one of the most expensive acquisitions so far. Not least due to the reported one hundred and thirty thousand pounds a week in wages that the player will receive when he joins the club in July after the World Cup where he will captain the home nation.

Ballack is a world class midfielder, he cannot have been brought in to provide cover for Lampard who has been almost ever present since he joined the club. Beyond Lampard Chelsea have an abundance of midfielders, who will be the one to step aside to give him a game? Mourinho has already told Skysports he intends to play them both together. This is understandable as Frank has been the talisman of the side for the last two seasons his goals being a major factor in the blues back to back premiership titles. Could Essien be this years Kezman and be cast aside like last years wardrobe? His form last season hasn’t helped neither have the few mistimed challenges that cost Chelsea dear.

What will the eventual total cost of this transfer be? We can rest assured that it will be colossal, when will we find out? It may not be until the end of the next window in January when restless players turn into wantaway trouble makers.