The Brazilian centre-half has struggled to hold down a regular place at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven.

Panathinaikos are keen to bolster their backline and are hoping to sign Alex initially on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The Greek giants are managed by former Blues assistant Henk Ten Cate - who knows the stopper well from his time at Stamford Bridge - and Alex's fellow Brazilian Gilberto Silva is also on their books.

Alex's representative Giuliano Bertolluci told Greek newspaper Derby: "It's true that people of Panathinaikos called me. We discussed about a possible move of Alex to Panathinaikos.

"I think that it's very difficult to have news on this case because my client doesn't want to leave Chelsea on loan with an option for a permanent deal".