The French player, who has been targetted by big-spending Chelseas in a deal which would double his 1.5 million euro salary, told Real coach Carlos Queiroz of his intention not to practise with his teammates.

Sporting director Jorge Valdano told reporters that as a result, an inquiry would be launched and a planned meeting with Chelsea, scheduled for next Monday, had been cancelled.

Earlier Wednesday, Makelele's agent Marc Roger had said Real and Chelsea were talking terms based on a ten million euro (11.3 million dollars) transfer fee with Makelele hoping to net a deal matching the reported 125,000 euros (141,000 dollars) he earns a month with Real.

Congo-born Makelele, 30, joined Real from Celta Vigo in August 2000 for $13.7 million after two seasons with Celta, having earlier made his name with French league side Nantes.

He has been one of Real's most influential players in recent seasons, performing a vital ball-winning role in midfield and it would be a major surprise if the club decided to release him.

Spanish media reports, however, later said Real would not be letting Makelele go, the club pointing out he has a clause in his contract running to 2006 that any buyer would have to break the bank and pay more than 90 million dollars to capture his signature.

Roger said Makelele was happy to stay on but wanted a better deal and put his chances of a move at 50-50.

"Real know he is the best player in the world in his position.

"In sporting terms he is happy but not economically.

"A player who is not happy is not a good player," he added.

Meanwhile, Makelele is set to continue his rebellion over his demand for a pay rise despite the club's decision to discipline him.

"Right now I am not even thinking of training or anything like it," the French international told sports daily Marca on Thursday.

"I don't feel right and when you feel like that it is best not to force yourself."

Roger said the player had started the protest because he felt undervalued by the club after they refused to grant an improvement in his contract.

"If they (Real) continue to pay him the same amount then I'm sure he will not stay. He can't carry on like this. There are player in the squad like (David) Beckham who are earning five times as much as him." Roger told reporters on Wednesday.