Chelsea close to securing Essien deal

... £90,000-a-week ?

Chelsea are on the verge of sealing a new deal with midfielder Michael Essien. Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge all signed extensions last year and negotiations with Essien are now at an advanced stage, says the Daily Mail.

Essien expected to be rewarded by Chelsea for his great form this season with a bumper new deal. The Ghanaian has been negotiating a deal worth around £90,000 a week.