Malouda's Luiz lift

Luiz Felipe Scolari has assured Florent Malouda he has a future at Chelsea.

The winger was expected to leave after failing to impress after his £13.5million move from Lyon last summer.

Roma had declared an interest in signing the French international, but Scolari has told the 28-year-old he is a part of his plans.

Malouda's agent Pierre Frelot said: "We had a meeting with the chief executive Peter Kenyon and Scolari. The latter's always held him in high regard."

Chelsea's change of heart over Malouda could be related to their struggle to sign Real Madrid winger Robinho.

The club have already bid £27m, but Real are demanding £8m more for the Brazilian. Kenyon admitted on Sunday he fears negotiations could "rumble on".