Anelka and Alex call the 'transfer request' and will leave Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed that Nicolas Anelka and Alex have called the 'transfer request' to leave the team and the club has accepted it. Both players did not play in the game this weekend against Newcastle and look for new equipment in the market next winter.

Villas-Boas himself confirmed the news after the match against Newcastle. "The 'transfer request' were accepted, but are not return to the Chelsea team. Anelka and Alex have formally requested to leave Chelsea. We have been dealing with this issue for some time."

Coach 'blue' would not add fuel to the decision of his pupils, and praised his attitude at all times. "The conversation was fair and straightforward with the players. They are professionals 'top' and their professionalism and integrity were never questioned, but after recent results, we decided to try to get the group together and assign different training times for them," Villas-Boas concluded.

The future of French striker has been linked in recent weeks to Shanghai Shenhua , a Chinese team that wants to take their services.