Alex set on Chelsea move

Brazil defender Alex claims Chelsea are striving to secure a work permit in order to bring him to England.

Chelsea have long been rumoured to own Alex, who has been on PSV Eindhoven's books for the last three years as he has been unable to secure a work permit to play in England.

He has been an inspirational figure for PSV, but seems intent on making a move up the football pyramid having helped the club retain the Eredivisie title.

"The chance that I will leave PSV is quite big," Alex told De Telegraaf.

"At this moment Chelsea are very busy with getting a work permit for me.

"Earlier they did the same with Salomon Kalou and several other players, which worked out fine."

Chelsea have John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as Jose Mourinho's preferred centre-back pairing, but Alex says he has no intention of heading to Stamford Bridge to warm the bench.

He added: "Chelsea are a great club, but it is most important that I will play a lot of games there.

"If I only sit on the bench, it will be difficult. But whether that will happen, you only know when you are there."