Chelsea waits on agent of Real Madrid's Makelele

Chelsea are confident they can sign Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele by the end of the week.

Though Chelsea are being careful not to appear interested in the French international, Marca says those close to owner Roman Abramovich are confident a deal can be struck.

Makelele again skipped training over the weekend, further angering Real management. Much will depend on how the player's agent, Marc Roger, negotiates with Real officials Makelele's future over the next few days.