Santos reveal talks with Chelsea forward Florent Malouda

Best off the bench: Florent Malouda After being denied a starting position, the Frenchman was brought on as Chelsea pushed for a goal. 6 (GETTY IMAGES)

A move away from Chelsea is looking increasingly likely for Florent Malouda as Brazilian side Santos reveal that they have held talks with the London club.

Malouda has already seen two signings come in this summer, Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, both of whom increase competition for his place in the first-team.

The Frenchman has been a key player in the past, making 229 appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge from Lyon in 2007, but found himself increasingly on the fringes last season.

The two new arrivals may have made up his mind to leave and it has been reported that the Chelsea management are willing to let him go, especially as he only has one year left to run on his contract.

The 32-year-old has was heavily linked with Brazilian club Vasco da Gama; however, Santos now seem to be leading the race for the player as vice-president of the club Odilio Rodrigues has revealed that there have been discussions.

"We have only had informal talks," Rodrigues told Lancenet.

This comment has only fuelled speculation that the Frenchman looks set to follow Dutchman Clarence Seedorf’s example and move to South America.

Malouda is even rumoured to have had dinner with Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro this week suggesting that a move to Brazil is imminent.