Essien’s marathon transfer held up by paperwork

THE marathon transfer saga over Chelsea’s bid to sign Lyon’s Michael Essien took another twist last night when it was revealed the Premiership champions had not received the paperwork to complete the move.

Lyon claimed on their official website that a deal had been agreed, and reports suggested Essien was on his way to London for a medical.

But Chelsea were left in limbo after waiting in vain this afternoon for the vital documents that would enable them to seal the deal.