Real probe striking Makelele

Spanish champions Real Madrid have launched disciplinary measures against French midfielder Claude Makelele who is refusing to train with the team, the club announced.

The French player, who has been targetted by big-spending Chelseas in a deal which would double his 1.5 million euro salary, told Real coach Carlos Queiroz of his intention not to practise with his teammates.

Sporting director Jorge Valdano told reporters that as a result, an inquiry would be launched and a planned meeting with Chelsea, scheduled for next Monday, had been cancelled.

Earlier Wednesday, Makelele's agent Marc Roger had said Real and Chelsea were talking terms based on a ten million euro (11.3 million dollars) transfer fee with Makelele hoping to net a deal matching the reported 125,000 euros (141,000 dollars) he earns a month with Real.

Congo-born Makelele, 30, joined Real in 2000 after two seasons with Celta Vigo, having earlier made his name with French league side Nantes.

Spanish media reports, however, later said Real would not be letting Makelele go, the club pointing out he has a clause in his contract running to 2006 that any buyer would have to break the bank and pay more than 90 million dollars to capture his signature.

Roger said Makelele was happy to stay on but wanted a better deal and put his chances of a move at 50-50.

"Real know he is the best player in the world in his position."

"In sporting terms he is happy but not economically."

"A player who is not happy is not a good player," he added.