Chelsea Attempt to Force Michael Essien Out of Stamford Bridge – Report

Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer Michael Essien a severance package in order persuade the midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge in January.

According to the Metro, the Blues are ready to shell out from their own pocket in an attempt to get him off their roster as AC Milan are not willing to match his current wages. The Ghanaian international does not want to make the switch to Serie A as it will force him to take a pay cut.

The defensive midfielder has only made five starts in all competitions for the west London club this season with Jose Mourinho preferring to deploy Ramires and John Obi Mikel ahead of his back four. Essien's chances of playing have also suffered due to David Luiz's versatility.

However, Chelsea's recent acquisition of Nemanja Matic from Benfica could only imply that the Portuguese tactician does not see a future for Essien in his second spell with the club.

Should Essien make the switch to Milan, he will be eligible to play in the knockout stages of the Champions League as he was not named for the Blues' European campaign this season.

Earleir, it was reported that the 31-year-old is heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge and his agent Fabien Piveteau confirmed that his client could leave during the mid-season transfer window due to lack of first team football.

With the World Cup approaching in the summer, Essien would rather be keen on getting regular playing time elsewhere than be on the fringes of his current employers.

The report also states that the Italian club's newly appointed manager Clarence Seedorf wants to add experience to his midfield as he looks to revive their disappointing campaign in the league this season.

The midfielder's agent earlier revealed that his client is interested in moving to Italy while insisting that no official talks have taken place between the two clubs.

"Milan have to first speak with Chelsea and they have to decide what they want to do with Essien. We have not yet opened any direct talks with AC Milan but this does not mean he cannot move to Italy. Clearly this is a great opportunity for my player," Goal.com quoted Piveteau as saying.