Salgado linked to Chelsea

MICHEL SALGADO has become the latest big name to be linked with Chelsea in the Spanish press, despite the Real Madrid star's prior assertion that he would like to finish his career with his current club.

Salgado has been in scintillating form this season, including a superb performance in the 4-2 Champions League victory over Marseille last Tuesday.

There are suggestions that the quality of the Spain international's performances have attracted attention from Chelsea - who are possibly the only club in the world capable of providing a financial lure away from Real.

With Salgado's contract expiring next summer, one Spanish paper suggests that contact has already been made by Chelsea to the player's agent Gines Carvajal.

However, Salgado has repeatedly insisted that he wants to remain at Real for the rest of his career, and at 28, will be well aware that he still has at least one major big-money contract left.

President Florentino Perez has already spoken out on the issue, insisting that negotiations are ongoing.

"I am hopeful that something can be sorted out about a renewal soon," said Perez.