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’ £31m (€45m) asking price.