Transfer news: Chelsea ready to pay-off Michael Essien's contract to speed up AC Milan switch - reports

Blues willing to pay Essien a lump some to speed up move to AC Milan

Samuel Stevens
Thursday 23 January 2014 09:45 EST
Comments
Chelsea ready to pay-off Michael Essien's contract to speed up AC Milan switch
Chelsea ready to pay-off Michael Essien's contract to speed up AC Milan switch (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea are prepared to give Michael Essien a considerable pay-off to convince him to move to AC Milan as they look to strengthen in other areas - specifically with the signing of Liverpool target Mohamed Salah.

Essien spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, under current Blues boss Jose Mourinho, but is out-of-favour at Stamford Bridge as the Portuguese looks to lower the age of his squad.

Milan made an approach to sign the Ghanaian earlier in the week but, as it stands, there is no deal to be done as Essien is reluctant to leave London.

One reason, other than an obvious affinity with the Stamford Bridge personnel, could be the heft contact which the Blues are tied up to.

According to the Metro, they are ready to pay off the remainder of 31-year-old’s contract – as an incentive to complete a move to the San Siro.

Essien’s agent has since travelled to Italy to try and thrash out a deal with new boss Clarence Seedorf – who wants to bolster his midfield options.

Meanwhile Mourinho has launched an audacious late £11m bid for FC Basel forward Salah despite a move to Liverpool appearing to be a formality.

The Portuguese manager has previous after out-manoeuvring former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre-Villas Boas to secure the £30m acquisition of Willian last summer.

If Essien does leave, he will be the latest Chelsea star to be cleared out by Mourinho following Kevin de Bruyne and the imminent departure of Juan Mata.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in