Lyon look for Essien exchange

Lyon want a Chelsea player plus ‚é¼45 million for star man Michael Essien.

Lyon chairman Jean Michel Aulas has revealed that the French champions are hoping to agree a part exchange deal with Chelsea for Michael Essien.

The lengthy saga surrounding the Ghanaian star is drawing ever closer to completion, although The Blues are yet to have a bid accepted for the impressive midfielder.

Aulas stated earlier on Thursday that he was not willing to compromise on his asking price and is now seeking one of Jose Mourinho's talented squad to make the move to Stade Gerland if Essien leaves.

Lyon could be searching for a direct replacement although with the likes of Alexei Smertin and Scott Parker already departing Stamford Bridge it remains to be seen who is the object of their affections.

Aulas has always proved reluctant to let slip his grip on his most prized asset, and remained hardnosed as he also criticised Mourinho for 'unceasingly calling' Essien.

"They shouldn't take French clubs for fools," Aulas told French newspaper Progres.

"Michael is worth between ‚é¼45 and 50 million (£31-35million) and because time has been wasted if we are to recruit if Essien leaves us now, I estimate that our player will leave for 45 million euros, while bringing in one Chelsea player.

"Rather than unceasingly calling the player to make it all the more sad, Mourinho would do better to call me directly. Chelsea will learn to know me."

Mourinho himself has revealed his frustrations at being unable to close the deal, voicing his desire to end the saga one way or another in the near future.

Chelsea are determined to add Essien to their star studded squad, although the Blues boss is adamant that Essien is only one option open to the Premiership champions.

"I hope we are sure about that soon - he comes or he doesn't come," Mourinho told the club's official website.

"He comes, great. If he doesn't come it's not a drama. But I need to know.

"One more option, a great option. But one more.

"But I need to know. He provides one more option, a great option. But it is just one more option."