Alves 'near to Sevilla departure'

Daniel Alves has been left out of the Sevilla squad for the Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens, prompting speculation over a move to Chelsea.

The right-back, 24, linked with a �20m move to the Blues and Real Madrid, says he wants to move to England.

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos said: "Alves is not on the list for Wednesday's game. He said he wasn't in the right condition and I've informed the club."

Chelsea would not comment on the speculation when asked by BBC Sport.

However, Ramos added: "I don't know if he has agreed this with someone else in the club because they are in talks but we knew this might happen. I expected something like this.

"Daniel is an influential player and the fact that clubs of the stature of Chelsea and Real Madrid are after him shows how important he is."

The defender recently said joining Chelsea would be a "wonderful opportunity and I don't want to let it pass". Back then, he was keen for the situation to be resolved by Wednesday because of Sevilla's involvement in the Champions League.

Alves has played a prominent role as the Rojiblancos won back-to-back Uefa Cups.

Right-back was a problematic area for Chelsea last season, with Paulo Ferreira, Geremi and Lassana Diarra filling the slot at various times.

Source: BBC Sport