Nicolas Anelka (R) with John Terry
Chelsea's French striker, Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian defender Alex (not in picture) have handed in written transfer requests that have been accepted. Reuters

Andre Villas-Boas, manager of English Premier League outfit, Chelsea, has confirmed that two of his players, French striker Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian defender Alex, have submitted written transfer requests, which have been accepted.

Anelka, 32, had earlier been linked to cash-rich Ligue 1 side Paris St. Germain. However, rumors suggest that Chelsea's domestic rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs, may also be interested. There are also reports of a deal from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

The Frenchman finished last term as the club's top scorer, in all competitions, and feels he still has a lot to offer the team. However, Villas-Boas has made very little use of his talents so far this season and with the likes of Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Didier Drogba, Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou around, Anelka is finding first-team opportunities hard to come by.

The manager has stated that although talks with the players were ongoing, it could even happen that no transfers will take place and the players will return to full training.

Alex, 29, is also dissatisfied at the lack of playing time, with the club captain John Terry, fellow Brazilian David Luiz and Serbian Branislav Ivanovic ahead of him. There has been speculation that two more of Chelsea's domestic rivals - Arsenal and Liverpool - are interested in Alex. However, the player could even return to his former club, Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he will be assured regular football.

Nicolas Anelka transferred to Chelsea in 2008, from English club Bolton Wanderers. He has made a total of 146 appearances since then.

Alex arrived at Chelsea in 2004, from Brazilian club Santos. He has made a total of 135 appearances for the club.

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