Man Utd make move for Real Madrid's Makelele

Manchester United are making a daring move for Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele.

Real insisted last week that Makelele would see out his contract, which runs to 2005, despite the breakdown of talks over a new extension. But Italian media reports state that United have already opened negotiations with Real over a deal for the French international.

A figure of £15 million has been mentioned, with both clubs said to be already close to agreeing on a transfer fee.