Chelsea dismiss Alex claims

(GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea have sent a blunt message to the club's players after rejecting speculation that Brazilian defender Alex has slapped in a transfer request.

The Blues defender claimed he had told Chelsea earlier this week that he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

But Chelsea have made it clear that none of their players will be allowed to move on until they decide it is right for the club.

A statement from the club read: "Chelsea would like to make clear that no transfer request has been received from any player. Chelsea will decide the future of any contracted player in the best interests of the club."

AC Milan and Seville have already expressed an interest in the £10m-rated defender, who is believed to be frustrated by his lack of first-team involvement

Alex fears he will fail to make his country's 2010 World Cup team because he is not playing regularly.

Brazil boss Dunga currently prefers Lucio and Juan as his central defenders and has already told Alex he needs to play more games to be considered.

Alex began his career with Santos and arrived at Chelsea via PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2007, after being on loan with the Dutch outfit for three years.