Manchester United are chasing me, says restless Makelele

MANCHESTER UNITED have held talks with the agent of Real Madrid’s French international midfielder Claude Makelele, the player claimed yesterday.

The 30-year-old has been labelled Real's most important player by several of his team-mates and his absence through injury in last week's Champions League semi-final defeat by Juventus was evident as they lacked his hard tackling in midfield.

The former Nantes, Marseille and Celta Vigo star claimed Real could well be missing him on a permanent basis next season if United come up with the £10m at which he is valued.