Makelele moves closer to Arsenal, Man Utd

If Arsenal do decide to cash in on Patrick Vieira, the English champs are expected to move for Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele.

The French international became embroiled in a bitter contract dispute with Real chiefs over the summer and was reportedly in talks with both the Gunners and Manchester United about a big-money move.

Makelele has since settled down, but the emergence of Argentine revelation Esteban Cambiasso has observers close to Real suggesting the French midfielder's presence is not seen as being as crucial as it was a little over two months ago.