Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has revealed he helped Real Madrid beat Chelsea to the transfer of France international Aurelien Tchouameni.

The midfielder joined the La Liga giants in an £85million deal from Monaco last summer despite interest from Chelsea.

Makelele, who spent five years at Chelsea after a three-year stint at the Bernabeu, says he helped the Spaniards sign the midfielder.

“When Tchouameni was about to sign for Real, I spoke with Florentino and he wanted to know more about him,” Makelele told AS.

“Chelsea were also interested but if Madrid love you, you should go because it’s the best way to be at your best.”