Sulley Muntari’s agent claims Sunderland will not attempt to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis in the summer for financial reasons.

MICHAEL ESSIEN’S future at Chelsea has been thrown into doubt after his agent claims the midfielder would consider a move away from Stamford Bridge.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien’s agent should be suspended until an appeal is heard against his conviction for financial irregularities over a previous transfer involving the midfielder.

MICHAEL ESSIEN’S agent last night insisted the Chelsea target has chosen not to play for current side Lyon because he is worried about picking up an injury.

Manchester United and Arsenal are among a group of top clubs chasing Lyon’s star midfielder Michael Essien, according to the player’s agent.