Chelsea Star Michael Essien Set To Follow Juan Mata Out Of Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA star Michael Essien could follow Juan Mata in exiting Stamford Bridge this month with AC Milan ready to revive a deal for the midfielder.

Essien returned to Chelsea at the start of the season having spent the previous campaign on loan at Real Madrid, where current Blues boss Jose Mourinho was in charge.

But the Ghana international has struggled to establish himself back in the Blues' first-team, with Mourinho admitting at the beginning of the month his willingness to let Essien leave the club.

According to reports in Europe, new Milan boss Clarence Seedorf wants to bring Essien to the San Siro as he attempts put his own stamp upon the current squad.

Essien has failed to establish himself in the Chelsea first-team since returning from a loan spell at Real Madrid [GETTY]

The Serie A outfit are said to be keen on a six-month loan deal for the 31-year-old, however Chelsea would prefer to sanction a permanent transfer.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani previously confirmed this month the club had yet to open negotiations over a deal to sign Essien.

Galliani said: “There are a lot of contracts but there is not a negotiation open with Essien.

Seedorf wants to bring Essien to the San Siro [GETTY]

“AC Milan’s appeal is very strong and there are many agents offering their players.”

Seedorf is looking to add to his Milan squad and is eager to pair Essien in the centre of midfield with former Manchester City star Nigel De Jong.

Liverpool are interested in bringing De Jong back to the Premier League as a replacement for the injury stricken Lucas Leiva.

Seerdorf, however, revealed that he is not looking let any of his star names leave the club in this transfer window.

A Daily Star UK Report.