13 Jun 2011 10:36:00
Michael Essien , Chelsea(Getty Images)
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For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here.Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is preparing an offer for Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to replace the outgoing Lassana Diarra, according to the Daily Express.
Diarra is reported to have asked to leave the Bernabeu after being less than happy at playing second fiddle to German Sami Khedira last term and Mourinho is believed to be willing to grant the Frenchman’s request as long as he can secure Essien as his replacement.
Moreover, it is thought that Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old Ghanaian, who they signed from Lyon.
Essien struggled for his best fitness and form last season, although the Blues would still likely demand a fee in the region of £18 million to help fund their own big-money pursuits of Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder and Brazilian starlet Neymar.
Inter are also believed to be interested in signing Essien, but the combative midfielder would almost certainly prefer the opportunity to rejoin Mourinho – the manager who first brought him to Stamford Bridge back in 2005.