Lyon: Deal on Tiago not dead

Lyon claim they have been given first refusal on Chelsea midfielder Tiago.

The French champions are seeking a replacement for Michael Essien, who joined Chelsea last week, and are closing in on the Portuguese international.

Tiago, 24, has not featured in Chelsea’s opening two Premiership fixtures and is eager for a move away from Stamford Bridge to boost his chances of featuring in next summer's World Cup.

The former Benfica midfielder was reportedly offered to Lyon as part of the deal which took Essien to London and president Jean-Michel Aulas insists an agreement could still be reached.

Aulas said: “Nothing is dead concerning Tiago. In football everything is possible. We have an agreement with Chelsea’s directors. We now have the priority on Tiago until August 31.”