Madrid are obviously still smarting about losing their midfield lynchpin Claude Makelele to us in the summer. They obviously can't bear the thought of losing another player to West London!

Jorge Valdano, Real's Sporting Director (AKA The Board's Bitch!), said "No matter how strong you are, you have to respect the law. We had a conflict over Makelele and the fact is that if Michel Salgado has received a serious offer, we will have to denounce this situation to Fifa due to the lack of respect Chelsea are showing for the legal time frame.

"It is not going to go on past the end of October. We know Michel is working hard to stay and we will try and make an effort.''

Salgado is widely regarded as one of the best right back's in the world- so what a coup it would be if we could sign him for free! Whilst also getting one over on our new arch rival, Real Madrid!