Real Deny Makelele Fee Agreed

Real Madrid have denied reports from Spain that they've agreed a fee with Chelsea for French international Claude Makelele.

It had been claimed the midfielder was heading to Chelsea for a medical after the clubs had agreed a £13.8m fee.

However, Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano told the club's wesbite: "Real Madrid have maintained the same position as always. The player will leave the club only for the right price, and that amount is not 20 million euros but more.

"Makelele at this moment continues to be a Real Madrid player with the same contractual conditions that he had last season. Nothing has changed."

Makelele's exit from the Santiago Bernabeu looked inevitable after the 30-year-old fell out with the Spanish champions over his wages, which is tiny in comparison to Real's other stay players, even though Makelele has been rated by many as just an important player.

It wass believed a deal with struck between Roman Abramovich and officials from Real's at yesterday's Champions League draw in Monaco.

Real have been linked with Valencia's Roberto Ayala, although Rafael Benitez's side have today denied the Argentine defender is for sale.