• Premier League

Santos rule out move for Malouda

ESPN staff
October 29, 2012
Florent Malouda is staying put at Chelsea for now © Getty Images
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Santos have pulled the plug on a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda, with his high wage demands reportedly a stumbling block.

Malouda, 32, has faced a nightmare period at Stamford Bridge this season after being omitted from the Blues' 25-man Champions League squad and forced to train with the club's youth team.

The France international was hoping to end his eight-year association with the west London club by securing a move to Brazil, with Santos believed to be keen on bringing him in during the January transfer window.

However, the Brazilian club have now distanced themselves from a move for Malouda due to not being able to match his demands.

"There is no interest for Malouda, he is not in our plans and if the English press is giving details about it, it must be because some agent is telling that to them to increase his value," Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues said.

Malouda was also linked with a move to fellow Brazilian side Vasco da Gama due to his association with club captain Juninho Pernambucano from their days together at Lyon.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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