Essien, 31, has been starved of regular first-team action, making just four appearances in the Premier League this term.
The anchorman’s agent already indicated at the end of the last year that he had been inundated with enquiries about his client and said: “It’s true that he could leave Chelsea this winter.
“Several big European clubs playing in the Champions League have made enquiries and it should play out in the next 10 days or so. Michael wasn’t included in Chelsea’s list of players for European competition, so he’s free to play in the Champions League with another club.”
But now it seems Milan have staked a serious interest in the out-of-favour midfielder.
According to Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are keen to beef up their midfield, and Essien’s eligibility to play in the Champions League makes him an attractive proposal.
It is also understood that Porto midfielder Fernando is their back-up option should they fail to clinch a deal for Essien.
The Blues, who reported a £49.4 million loss in their most recent results, could be forced to wave goodbye to fringe players Juan Mata, Demba Ba or Kevin De Bruyne.
However, were Essien to leave Stamford Bridge, it could boost his chances of securing a spot in Ghana’s World Cup squad.
Written by Steve Milne
