Essien set for Chelsea return

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will return to Stamford Bridge next week when his season-long loan deal ends at Real Madrid.

At the English Premier League club, the Ghanaian is likely to reunite with departing Real Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho.


Mourinho helped Essien to revive his flagging career as the versatile player made 28 appearances for Real and scored one goal.


Essien's contract with Chelsea runs out in June 2014.


He saw full-time action on Sunday when Real Madrid were held to a 3-3 draw by Real Sociedad.


His final match will be against Osasuna at home next Sunday as the Spanish La Liga season ends — MTNfootball.com


Meanwhile, Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan is among three players that German side Schalke 04 are planning of dispensing with their services.

According to German magazine kicker, the diminutive middleman and Tim Hoogland and Sergio Escudero will have their contracts terminated.


Annan has one year left on his contract after moving to Schalke in January, 2011 but made very little impact.


His misfortunes can be partly attributed to the managerial changes at the Veltins-Arena.


The 26-year-old was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem and now at Osasuna where he has managed 8 appearances in all competitions.


Annan is valued at €1.5 million.