Chelsea continue Real Madrid talks over Makelele

Chelsea are still in talks with Real Madrid over midfielder Claude Makelele.

The French international is rated at £14 million by Real and is wanted by Blues boss Claudio Ranieri to complement his attacking signings Juan Veron and Joe Cole in midfield.

Real chief Jorge Valdano and president Florentino Perez have struck a good relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after negotiations over Geremi's move to Stamford Bridge.

Makelele is Ranieri's No1 target after Arsenal refused to meet Chelsea's August 1 deadline for skipper Patrick Vieira.