London - Chelsea defender Alex wants to leave the club in January, according to British newspaper reports on Thursday.

"I told Chelsea a few days ago that I wanted to leave," he was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"There are many options. But I have to think them through and see if Chelsea will let me leave in January."

Alex has played 12 games this season, but is a reserve behind John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

The Brazilian is believed to be want more first-team football. (dpa)