Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is set to be put up for sale from Stamford Bridge, according to a report from The Independent, as manager Carlo Ancelotti looks to create space in his squad for reinforcements.

Carvalho joined the Blues from Porto for a reported £19.85m in 2004 and has made 210 appearances for the club, establishing a reputation for reliability.

He was voted Chelsea's player of the year in 2008 but has slipped down the pecking order a little as Alex and Branislav Ivanovic have come to the fore.

The 31-year-old has two years left to run on his contract but Ancelotti is happy to let him leave as he wants to promote Dutch youngster Jeffrey Bruma to a more prominent first-team role.

Carvalho almost joined Inter last year but the move broke down over the fee that was to be paid. Atletico Madrid are apparently interested in him.