Chelsea heads chase for Essien

SkySports -- Chelsea are at the head of the queue to sign Lyon's powerful midfielder Michael Essien, according to the player's agent.

Lyon's Ghanaian star was recently crowned as the Players' Player of the Year in France after his dominant displays for the French champions.

Essien has also performed well in the UEFA Champions League for Lyon and he has attracted a number of admirers from across Europe.

Chelsea and Real Madrid were among the clubs jostling for position, but now Jose Mourinho's side seem to be heading the race.

Essien's agent, Fabien Piveteau, says that Real would struggle to find a non-EU place for Essien to fit into their squad - meaning Chelsea being closer to signing the player.

"We have spoken with Madrid after they showed an interest in the player but they stated that, at this time, they don't have a place for a non-European," Piveteau told Marca.

"Right now he is closer to Chelsea but both clubs have to keep on talking."

Lyon have resisted the temptation to cash in on Essien, and hope to keep the 22-year-old at Stade Gerland for next season.

However, Chelsea are chasing hard with Mourinho keen to add to his championship-winning squad for next year.

Essien may find the lure of Stamford Bridge too good to turn down, although Real Madrid may still try to juggle their squad to find a place for Essien should The Blues make the first move.