Man City, Chelsea move in as Man Utd drop Makelele interest

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has shelved his bid for Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele.

The Sun says Ferguson has decided against pursuing Makelele because of the potential that David Beckham's on-off switch to Real would again be put on the agenda.

United's decision has sparked the interest of Chelsea and Manchester City, who are both keen to speak with the French international.

Chelsea are ready to offer Real £4 million for Makelele at the end of the Spanish season.