Alex asks for move

Brazil defender Alex has told Chelsea he wants to leave the club in January.

The 26-year-old has played 12 games this season and is reportedly looking for regular first-team football.

“I told Chelsea a few days ago that I wanted to leave,” he was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“There are many options. But I have to think them through and see if Chelsea will let me leave in January.”

Alex moved to Stamford Bridge from Santos in 2004 but spent three years on loan at PSV Eindhoven because of work permit problems.

He is behind England captain John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho in the Chelsea pecking order.