Santos claim Malouda talks

Santos have claimed that 'informal talks' have been held regarding a possible deal for Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda.

Chelsea midfielder reportedly in Brazil for discussions

Santos have claimed that 'informal talks' have been held regarding a possible deal for Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda. The France international has scored 45 goals in 229 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Lyon in 2007 and has a further season to run on his contract. However, the signings of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin have increased competition for places and reports have claimed the Blues are willing to let the 32-year-old go this summer. Malouda has been strongly linked with a move to Brazil, and Botafogo and Vasco da Gama have been mooted as admirers of the player. Domestic rivals Santos have also been tipped to launch a bid for Malouda and the club's vice-president Odilio Rodrigues says there have been discussions. "We have only had informal talks," Rodrigues told Lancenet. Speculation in Brazil has also claimed that Malouda met Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro for dinner on Tuesday evening amid reports he could follow Clarence Seedorf, who joined Botafogo, in making a high-profile switch to South America.