Chelsea hope to tie down stars

Chelsea defender Alex has signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazil international's deal follows Salomon Kalou's recent extension, with Joe Cole also expected to commit his long-term future to the Blues.

The Barclays Premier League club are focusing their efforts on securing their current stars, following FIFA's recent transfer ban.

Salomon Kalou has already signed a new three-year deal.

Cole, whose current contract expires next year, is expected to be handed a longer contract.

Chelsea are determined to tie-up as many of their stars on fresh deals following FIFA's transfer ban.

The Blues are prevented from signing any players in the next two transfer windows after being found guilty of inducing teenager Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago.

Chelsea have appealed against the verdict and are hopeful of getting it overturned but in the meantime they are determined to keep their current squad together.

Alex joins Kalou, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Michael Mancienne in committing his long-term future to the club when he put signed his new contract.

There had been some rumoured cross-capital interest in the player from Arsenal, but the Ivorian is delighted to be remaining at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile Portugal midfielder Deco is hoping he can rekindle his early season form after returning to the Chelsea side against Liverpool.

Deco, given a new lease of life under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, was in fine form until a calf injury left him struggling on the sidelines.

But the Chelsea playmaker is hoping that his return to action will help him rediscover his early season success when he was played behind the main striker in Ancelotti's 'christmas tree' and 'diamond' formations.

'I was happy and I hope to start again now playing how I was earlier this season,' said Deco.

'I like the system we are playing - it is different to last season but I have played it before. I have played lots of different systems in the past and in the national team.

'I play this position between midfield and the strikers. I am comfortable to change some points but I always play in midfielder so there are only some differences.'