?26,000,000 not enough for Essien -Lyon

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has insisted that Chelsea's reported ?26million bid for Ghanaian international Michael Essien is not enough.

Essien, 22, is one of the most coveted players in Europe, with Chelsea and Manchester United among the clubs linked with him.

L'Equipe maintain that the London club have already lodged a 38million euro (?26million) bid for the African, and Aulas told the paper: "Even at 38million euro I will not sell Michael Essien. The offer will have to be considerably higher."

Lyon line up Chelsea meeting

Saturday 2 July, 2005 -- Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas revealed he intends to meet with Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon to discuss the future of Ghanaian star Michael Essien.

However, Aulas ? who has repeatedly denied Essien would be leaving the French champions during the summer ? will only consider an offer ?well above? the ?23m already bid by the Blues and Real Madrid.

?I know that Peter Kenyon is currently in the south of France and I intend to invite him for dinner at Saint-Tropez in August to discuss matters,? said Aulas.

?But even at ?26m I wouldn?t sell Michael Essien. It will take an offer well above that.?

Essien, 22, was voted Ligue 1?s best player last season, by his fellow professionals and has publicly stated his desire to join one of Europe?s traditional powerhouses.