Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda is reportedly in talks with Brazilian club Botafogo.

The 32-year-old Frenchman, who has 12 months remaining on his contract with the European champions, is said to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following the arrivals of Marko Marin and Eden Hazard.

Malouda's wife is Brazilian and a move to South America had looked to be on the cards last month after Vasco Da Gama were credited with an interest in the player.

However, domestic rivals Botafogo are now in pole position to land Malouda and have made him a contract offer, according to The Mirror.

Malouda, who moved to Chelsea from Lyon for a transfer fee of £13.5m in July 2007, has scored 35 goals in 149 Premier League appearances.