Chelsea could axe Essien in January

English giants Chelsea have targeted signing Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin as replacement for out-favour Ghana star Michael Essien, according to reports in the British media.

The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea and has played just three times in the Premier League this season while the Blues are struggling to find a strong defensive midfielder.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has identified Guarin who would cost the London side £15 million.

Nigerian John Mikel, Ramirez and Oscar are already preferred to the Ghana international and with the Colombian international set to arrive, Essien will have no option than to seek a future elsewhere.

But Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has indicated in the past he will add the Black Stars midfielder to his squad for the knock stages of the Uefa Champions League.