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Michael Ballack and the Montreal Impact have put negotiations on hold, Goal.com has learned.

Montreal is determined to make a splash in the club's inaugural season and adding Ballack would generate global headlines, but nothing materialized after initial talks between the two sides ended a few weeks ago.

"We did make an offer to Michael. I think we were still not on the same page on that aspect and that's where discussions stopped," Impact general manager De Santis told Goal.com.

"We know that he's been busy with ESPN and the Euros coming. We did back off a little as well. We'll see what comes with that."

Speculation is growing that the former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen star will decide on his next club this week as he is set to make his debut as a commentator for ESPN on Friday. The team that the German international will announce is still unclear.

The Philadelphia Union have been the only other MLS team to express legitimate interest in the 35-year-old midfielder. As long as the New York Red Bulls have Rafa Marquez, they will not pursue Ballack and Chicago head coach Frank Klopas balked at reports suggesting that the Fire were interested.

"I have never had discussions with Michael Ballack or his agent," Klopas told Goal.com. "Our priority isn't at the central midfield spot."

Other major-market cities Los Angeles and Seattle both have the maximum amount of Designated Players with three each.

What has prevented MLS clubs with DPs slots open from signing Ballack has been his wage demands. It is rumored that Ballack wants a yearly income higher than Marquez, the second-highest earner in MLS with a $4.6 million annual salary.

Should Ballack decide against joining the Impact, the Canadian club is prepared to pursue a list of other targets headlined by four-time Champions League-winner Clarence Seedorf.

"Clarence Seedorf is one of them," Impact general manager Nick De Santis told Goal.com. "It's too early to say if there's a big...