Blues continue to chase Makelele

Chelsea today confirmed they are continuing their pursuit of Claude Makelele despite Real Madrid demanding in excess of £13.8m (€20) for the Frenchman.

Real general director Jorge Valdano insists it will take at least that sum to prise the midfielder away from the Bernabeu.

But the Londoners have not been put off by the asking price.

Blues boss Claudio Ranieri today revealed negotiations are ongoing and the deal could just beat the summer transfer deadline which has been extended from Sunday night to 5pm on Monday.

Makelele would become the 10th major signing by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, taking his outlay – currently standing at £94.55million – through the £100million barrier.

Ranieri said: “We’re talking to Makelele and you’ll know everything in two days. Wait until then.”

The Chelsea boss also disclosed a move for Tottenham goalkeeper Neil Sullivan is almost finalised.

“Sullivan is also very close,” he said.

The Chelsea chief wants the Scottish shot-stopper as cover for his first-choice keeper Carlo Cudicini.

Summer signing Jurgen Macho has a serious knee injury, leaving Marco Ambrosio - another off-season addition – as the only other senior keeper at Stamford Bridge.