Chelsea keen to tie midfielder Makelele to a new deal

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More Chelsea news

Despite being 35 years old, the midfielder has continued to impress and Chelsea want him to prolong his career as long as possible.

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Man in the middle: Makelele has been a key player for Chelsea

Makelele, who is set to face England, will retire from international football after playing for France at Euro 2008 and the club hope it will improve his stamina.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told Makelele at the start of the season he would play less frequently and picked him only twice before he left the club in September.

But the former Real Madrid midfielder has made 24 appearances under Mourinho's replacement Avram Grant and has been a regular in the Champions League side.

Makelele's deal finishes at the end of next season but Chelsea have given him the option of a one-year and two-year extension and he will make his decision after Euro 2008.

The Frenchman is still considered better than club-mates Jon Obi Mikel and Michael Essien at the defensive position in front of the back four.

Many clubs tried to sign him last summer when contract talks with Chelsea stalled, but he is set to end his career at Stamford Bridge.