Frizzo: We rejected Malouda

Palmeiras vice-director of football Roberto Frizzo says the Brazilian giants have turned down a deal to sign Chelsea winger Florent Malouda.

The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

However, the 31-year-old had a move to Brazil cut short after a rejection from Palmeiras.

"Palmeiras are usually offered many players, and Malouda was offered, too," he said.

"But there was no interest. Every time that we are offered a player, we talk with the coach, and Luis Felipe Scolari was not interested.

"Malouda is not part of our project."

The decision comes as a surprise, with Scolari having managed Malouda during his short spell at the club in the 2008/09 season.