Lyon stand firm on Essien

LYON last night confirmed they want to take one of Chelsea’s first-team squad as part payment in any deal for Michael Essien.

It remained a mystery which player the French champions were lining up, although their president Jean-Michel Aulas hinted they would seek a direct replacement for the Ghanaian midfielder.

Aulas also accused Jose Mourinho of “unceasingly” telephoning Essien, suggesting the former Porto boss would be better off calling him and directly negotiating with Lyon.