Chelsea on verge of wrapping up Essien deal

Chelsea are on the verge of wrapping up a deal for Lyon midfielder Mickael Essien.

According to a UK newspaper, Daily Mail, final details of the ?14 million purchase from French club Lyon have been left in the hands of Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and are being thrashed out.

But it is understood 22-year-old Essien has already committed his future to the English champions.

Kenyon was the south of France before Chelsea's defeat in the Champions League semifinal at Liverpool on Tuesday night to prepare the deal.

Manchester United, who had also monitored Essien's performances in Europe, and Arsenal were unable to compete with the financial package on offer once Mourinho made his move.