Makelele happy to speak with Spurs

Tottenham have entered the race for Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele.

Though Manchester United are favourites to land the French international, Makelele's advisors say he would be happy to talk to Spurs about a move to White Hart Lane.

Makelele is expected to be sold for around £6 million by Real at the end of the season.

According to Spanish press reports, his agent Marc Roger is currently negotiating a deal with Manchester United.

However, Roger's partner, Jaime Ladjemi, said today: "He's not happy with the way things have gone and the talks are now dead."

"We have had contacts with a number of English sides in the last two weeks. Manchester United, Tottenham and Middlesbrough have all asked about him and then there are the Italian clubs like Inter and Juve who are very keen."

"He could move to Italy tomorrow if he wanted to, but he wants to move to England."

"We are waiting to hear what the English clubs have to say."

"Tottenham and Middlesbrough are very good clubs and he would be prepared to listen to all interested parties - he is open minded."