Makalele waits for Chelsea verdict on future

Claude Makelele wants Chelsea to decide if he still has a future at Stamford Bridge after reportedly becoming the target for a number of European clubs.

The France international midfielder was edged out of the first-team picture for much of the season because of his involvement with the national team.

Coach Jose Mourinho had already made it clear to Makelele that his first-team appearances would be limited if the 34-year-old continued to play for France.

Chelsea have also seen a vast improvement in the form of both Lassana Diarra and Mikel John Obi, who have demonstrated they can undertake Makelele’s holding role in front of the defence.

Makelele, who still has one year left on his contract, knows he is unlikely to be first choice next season and the arrival of Steve Sidwell from Reading in July will increase competition for midfield places.

But Makelele can do nothing about his situation until Chelsea make a decision on his future.

The player’s agent, Jimmy Ladjemi, said: “Makelele has a contract with Chelsea and we are going to wait and see what they will do for next season.

“The player cannot negotiate with any club because he has not finished his contract with his current club,” he told Spanish radio’s Cadena Sur.

“We don’t know what is happening. He has not sat down with Chelsea yet and he still has one year left on his contract.

“It is not surprising that many clubs want him. He is a very good player, but we are not allowed to talk to anyone until we see what Chelsea want to do.”

Makelele joined Chelsea from Real Madrid for £16million four years ago and was instrumental in helping Chelsea land two successive Barclays Premiership titles.