Deal agreed for AC Milan-bound Essien

Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed a deal with AC Milan for Michael Essien.

The 31-year-old midfielder will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms. He is expected to sign an 18-month deal at the San Siro.

His contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire at the end of the season, but Chelsea made it clear he could leave this month if a club came in for him.

A number of French sides showed an interest in the Ghana international but he was keen to join Milan and his representatives have been seeking a deal with the Serie A outfit for some time.

Signed from Lyon in 2005, he was a pivotal player for Chelsea during manager Jose Mourinho’s successful first spell at the club.

But he spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he played under Mourinho, and has made only five Premier League appearances this term.

He has made more than 250 appearances for the Blues, who bought him for a then club-record £24.4m.

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