Lyon close on Tiago

Lyon are confident of wrapping up the signing of Chelsea midfielder Tiago.

The Portugal international is poised to end his year-long stay at Stamford Bridge after the arrival of Michael Essien, from Lyon, pushed him down the ranks.

Tiago has not featured for Chelsea in the opening two Premiership games of the season and is discussing a ‚é¼10 million (£6.8 million) switch to the French champions.

He is due to undergo a medical at Stade Gerland and Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas expects to have enough time to conclude the deal before the close of the transfer window.

"The Tiago case is not over," Aulas told L'Equipe. "In football anything is possible.

"We have a co-operation agreement with the English club's officials so, in a way, we have the priority on the player until August 31."

With Lyon having banked £24.4 million from the sale of Essien, the club are looking to follow up the capture of Tiago with a second defensive midfielder.

Toulouse ace Achille Emana is now the prime target after Lyon dropped their interest in Nantes starlet Jeremy Toulalan.

Aulas added: "I talked with Nantes chairman Rudi Roussillon on Sunday night.

"It seems he doesn't want to part with his player despite the quality offers I made.

"I think he won't change his mind, except if the player would clearly show his willingness to join us.

"Toulouse chairman Olivier Sadran was not very happy with my interest in Achille Emana.

"We have to talk again on Thursday or Friday. Both on a sporting and financial level we can hire two midfielders."