Charlton's hopes of signing midfielder Alex have been dashed after the Japan international was refused a work permit.

The 25-year-old Brazil-born winger played for his adopted country in this summer's World Cup, but has not made the number of international appearances needed to meet the Home Office requirements for a work permit.

And his planned �2.5m move from Shimizu S-Pulse is now off. Addicks manager Alan Curbishley told the club's official website, www.cafc.co.uk.

He said: "I think Alex would have been a fantastic addition to the Premier League, but unfortunately they felt he didn't meet the criteria.

"I'm very disappointed because everyone at the club has worked extremely hard over the past week to make the proposed transfer happen."