The Times says Alves was badly shaken by the hostile reception he received from supporters at training yesterday after opting out of Seville's 2-0 Champions League qualifying win over AEK Athens on Wednesday and is understood to fear for his safety.

Alves antagonised Seville's passionate fans by organising a press conference at which he pleaded to be allowed to leave, before refusing to play for the club in the Champions League. The 22-year-old has rejected Chelsea's offer for fear of inflaming the situation further, resolving to keep his head down and continue training as normal in the hope that a deal can be reached between the two clubs as soon as possible.