Lyon chief still hopeful of Essien deal

LYON president Jean-Michel Aulas has not given up hope of securing a lucrative deal with Chelsea that will take Michael Essien to Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old playmaker, who was last year’s Ligue 1 Player of the Year, has been at the centre of negotiations between the four-time French champions and the Blues, who have yet to match Aulas’ £31million (€45million) asking price.

An initial Chelsea bid for Essien was turned down before Aulas and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon held face-to-face talks leading to an increased offer that was also rejected.