Chelsea target Alex earns permit

Chelsea have moved a step closer to the capture of Brazil defender Alex after he was granted a work permit.

Alex has been at PSV Eindhoven for the past two seasons after he was deemed ineligible for a permit, but should now complete a permanent move to the Blues.

A statement on the Chelsea website said: "At a hearing today, Alex was granted a work permit.

"He still has to agree personal terms with Chelsea Football Club and have a medical."

Alex arrived at Heathrow on Sunday only to then return to Brazil, despite being granted permission to enter the country by immigration staff.

Permit rules require a player to have played for his country in at least 75% of their competitive 'A' games in which he was available for selection, during the two years preceding the date of the application for the permit.

Alex has played in eight of the 14 Brazilian games he was available for in the last two years and was not selected for the others.

Source: BBC Sport