QPR open Alex talks

Sky Sports sources understand Chelsea defender Alex is in talks with Queens Park Rangers about a move across West London.

Rangers granted permission to talk to Brazilian

Sky Sports sources understand Chelsea defender Alex is in talks with Queens Park Rangers about a move across West London. New QPR boss Mark Hughes has made defensive reinforcements one of his main priorities and he has targeted moves for Alex and Blackburn's Chris Samba. QPR have seen two bids rejected for Samba with Blackburn insisting the giant defender is not for sale, but they could have better luck with Alex after Chelsea granted them permission to talk to the Brazilian. The centre-back asked for a transfer at the end of last year and has been out of the first-team picture under Andre Villas Boas since. Alex does not feature in the plans of Villas-Boas and the signing of Gary Cahill from Bolton has cleared the way for the defender to move on Hughes will now be hoping to convince Alex to snub other offers to make the move to Loftus Road.