Chelsea Ups Offer For Essien

Chelsea will go back to Lyon with an ?18m bid for midfielder Michael Essien after their offer of ?15m was rejected, says the Daily Mail.

Real Madrid is also showing interest in the 24-year-old

However, Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulus has declared that winger Sidney Govou will be the only squad departure this summer.

"Sidney said he wanted to leave,? he told L?Equipe. ?After what he has done for the club, he has the right to go - but that will be all.?

?I am ready to talk with agents to renegotiate existing contracts, but nothing else,? insisted Aulus. ?That is clear."