Chelsea turn down Real Bid for Alex?

There is a report in "The Times" online website today that states the following:

"Chelsea have turned down an £18 million bid from Real Madrid for Alex, the Brazil defender. José Mourinho, the West London club’s former manager, also vented his frustration at Chelsea yesterday over their stance in transfer negotiations with Inter Milan, his present club.

Manuel Pellegrini, the Real coach, had identified Alex as the defensive linchpin of a new-look team, but Chelsea dismissed the offer out of hand, mindful that Guus Hiddink, last season’s interim coach who has worked with Alex at Stamford Bridge and PSV Eindhoven, described the 27-year-old as one of the best defenders in Europe"

I can believe that Madrid came in for him as if you ask anyone with half a football brain the weakness of Real Madrid and they will say their defence plain and simple. So it makes sense for the new man in charge to toughen up his back four.

I am very pleased however that the bid was knocked back by Chelsea because Alex took his chance with both hands last season when Riccy was injured and he was outstanding and one of the most consistant performers in a blue shirt under Guus Hiddink last season. For me it was always going to be JT and Riccy for the start for each game (fitness permitting) but now you have to say that Alex has put himself right in there with a shout.

Yesterday Madrid announced that that bloke from Liverpool was their last signing of the summer so lets hope that this one is well and truly dead in the water!