Chelsea warned on Salgado

Real Madrid today warned Chelsea about the repercussions of a possible move for Michel Salgado.

Reports in Spain suggest Chelsea are ready to offer the Spanish international more money to move to London when he becomes a free agent next June.

But Real, who are currently in contract negotiations with the player, say they would report the Stamford Bridge club to FIFA if they attempted to secure Salgado before January 2004.

The right-back, who is linking well with England captain David Beckham for the Spanish champions, would be free to begin talks or sign a precontract with another club in January under the Bosman ruling.

But Madrid's powerful sports director Jorge Valdano said: "If it's true that Michel Salgado has a serious offer, the club would be forced to report the situation to FIFA, due to the lack of respect which Chelsea is showing for the legal time frame.

"We know that Michel wants to fight to stay and we will try and make an effort." Valdano also attempted to quash recent speculation that Madrid's Brazilian left back, Roberto Carlos, could be sold to Chelsea.

"In Salgado's case, when his contract ends with Real Madrid, he will be free to choose his future.

"But with Roberto Carlos and other players, Real Madrid's position is absolute. There is no possibility of negotiation," he said.

It is not the first time Real and Chelsea have run into trouble.

Real's French midfielder Claude Makelele threatened to stage a pay strike in August before eventually moving to Chelsea and Valdano added: "We had a conflict over Makelele. No matter how strong you are, you have to respect the law."

Salgado, capped 30 times for Spain, joined Madrid in 1999 from Celta de Vigo and has won two Champions League winners medals and two more in the Spanish league.

He is married to the daughter of Madrid's former president, Lorenzo Sanz.