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Mourinho Eyes Essien, Again |
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Sunday, 01 June 2008 |
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 Jose Mourinho is set to be unveiled as Internazionale’s new coach
today, and his first order of business will be to capture Chelsea
midfielder Michael Essien…
 The former Blues boss has been granted a gigantic transfer-chest of
around ₤100 million by Inter president Massimo Moratti, according to
reports from Italy.
The Special One is expected to raid Stamford
Bridge during the summer, with attackers Didier Drogba and Frank
Lampard heavily rumoured to be on the verge of switching to San Siro.
But The Sun claims
Mourinho has made Essien his top target and will match the ₤24 million
he paid to the Ghanaian from Olympique Lyonnaise three years ago.
The
25-year-old is recognised among the best box-to-box players in the
world, earning comparisons with Dutch great Edgar Davids for his mix of
tenacity and technique.
Essien moving to Milan would set up a tantalising pairing with Argentine international Esteban Cambiasso in the centre of the Nerazzurri midfield, while raising question marks over the futures of Patrick Vieira and Olivier Dacourt.
But Chelsea will be keen to keep one of their most consistent
performers, as they attempt to quell a possible mass exodus from west
London, which has been on the cards since Mourinho’s departure in
September.
The Portuguese was hugely popular with the players
during his time at Stamford Bridge, the likes of Drogba and Lampard
remaining loyal to the former Porto boss even after he parted ways with
the club following a drawn-out dispute with owner Roman Abramovich.
Many
have speculated that it is only of where the Chelsea stars follow
Mourinho, not if, and the blue half of Milan seems certain to be the
destination now following the sacking of Roberto Mancini.
Inter
winger Luis Figo confirmed: “Already everyone knows of Mourinho’s
arrival to Inter, and even the club have informed me of the news.”
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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