Brazilian defender Alex looks set to become Chelsea's sixth signing this summer after the London club made an application for a work permit.

And 25 year old Alex, on loan at PSV since 2004 from Chelsea, arrived in London on Sunday before returning to Brazil.

"We are in the process of applying for a permit," said a Chelsea statement. "At immigration there was a request to clarify Alex's current status."

"All of the paperwork was in order and he was cleared to enter the country. He chose voluntarily to fly back (to Brazil) but will return when necessary."

The powerful centre back has been tipped to join the blues since his move to PSV, but has been thwarted by his lack of international games. Home Office rules require a player to have played in at least 75% of their country's international 'A' games for which they were available in the two years prior to their application in order to obtain a permit.

Alex had found himself on the fringes of the national team in the past, but recently, and especially with the accession of Dunga as national coach, has been established as a mainstay of the team. He has played in 8 of the last 14 games for Brazil for which he was available for selection.