Essien Set To Cash In

MICHAEL ESSIEN is to get a bumper pay rise from Chelsea.

The Ghana international, who has started the season in powerful style, is currently on around ?38,000-a-week - way behind players like Michael Ballack, John Terry and Frank Lampard.

The terms of his ?28m move from Lyon included the promise of a pay hike after his second season.

With Jose Mourinho delighted at Essien's performances the player is now in-line for an increase to ?60,000-a-week.

Talks over the new deal are being lined up for early in the New Year