Essien fancies Milan move - despite what his agent says
Published 23:01 28/06/11 By Darren Lewis
Chelsea star Michael Essien is interested in a move to AC Milan.
Both Milan and Juventus are keen on the 28-year-old midfielder, who was a £24million signing from Lyon six years ago.
And they are encouraged enough by Essien's private stance - despite his agent's public denials - to press ahead with moves for him this summer.
Essien's agent Fabien Pivateau insisted yesterday that his client was going nowhere and already had a good relationship with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas.
Speaking to African media, Pivateau said: "There's absolutely no chance of Essien leaving Chelsea.
"It is not true that the club's new coach Villas-Boas wants to release Michael.
"In fact, the new coach knows Essien very well having worked at the club before and he knows what Michael can do for the club.
"Michael is also focused on staying at the club because he has a very good relationship with the team's supporters, the new manager and the club owner.
"He is not leaving."
Essien, however, has told friends he would be interested if the price is right.
It now remains for the Ghana star to establish if he is part of Villas-Boas' plans before he decides whether to stay and fight for his place or leave for Serie A.
