Gorman did little to hose down mounting speculation about the former Chelsea great playing with the expansion club in the 2012/13 A-League season.

Media questions about Ballack, 34, overshadowed the club’s announcement that former Sydney FC defender Michael Beauchamp would be the Wanderers inaugural captain.

“Everything is still on the table,” Gorman said when questioned about the legendary German midfielder.

“We’re flattered by the attention we received from agents and overseas players in relation to interest in joining our club.

“And there’s no doubt, no denying that Ballack is one of those who has been put on the table.

“We’ve signed 19 players at the moment and clearly we have at least one more to sign under the regulations and we can go at least three more after if we choose to.

“We are interested in exploring all the opportunities – you never learn less by listening to people and what they might put on the table.

“We look at the possibility of guest players, we look at the possibility of further domestic players – we haven’t dismissed anything at the moment.

“But what we need to do is look at the context of our brand, our club, the culture we’re building and the needs of our playing squad.”

Beauchamp, 31, was equally non-committal about the likelihood of Ballack lining up with the Wanderers in the coming season, but couldn’t conceal his delight at the prospect.

“Having quality players like this in our league - it’s just fantastic for the game here in Australia,” he said. “And obviously the signing of Del Piero has opened the eyes up of European players.

“It is only talk with Ballack but even to have him affiliated with our name and brand, I think it’s fantastic.”

For the moment though, the defender who grew up in the western suburbs is more focused on his new role as the Wanderers' captain.

“It is honour for me to lead the team," said Beauchamp. “I think when the boss announced it at training he could have announced a number of players from our squad as we are such a tight knit unit.

“I'm really looking forward to leading the team out for that first game against the Mariners when I get to represent, not only Western Sydney Wanderers, but also the area I come from.

“It goes to show if you’re willing to make the sacrifices in any job, as well as a footballer, you can go out there and reach the top. Now I have the honour of leading the team out there.”

Beauchamp said while he was focused on the first match of the season he was also looking forward to opening hostilities with his former club and cross town rivals Sydney FC in Round 3.

Coach Tony Popovic, himself a former Sydney FC defender, praised the club's inaugural captain for his contribution to the player group: “We all know Michael quite well, he’s a very experienced player.

“I’ve known him a long time. I’ve played with Michael, seen him go through the ranks, seen him at World Cups.

“He’s grown as a person and a player. He’s a local boy and he’s shown tremendous leadership skills since day one.

“We only had six players at our first session and Michael’s really come to the forefront. He’s been a leader in the dressing room and a great supporter of the coaching staff.

“We’re certainly looking forward to seeing Michael lead-out the team on that first game against the Central Coast and likewise we all look forward to the derby.”