Mourinho concern? Chelsea’s powerful £24m star “could leave” in January

Chelsea’s Michael Essien could be on his way out of the club as his agent spoke about the possibility of the Ghanaian leaving.

The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid and has not been able to hold down a regular starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea team.

He’s made just six appearances this season and was not included in the Blues’ Champions League squad, meaning speculation around his head future went out of control.

It now seems he will leave the Bridge once and for all, as his agent, Fabian Piveteau, spoke about the possibility of moving.

“He (Essien) could leave Chelsea this winter,” Piveteau told French radio station RMC. “Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and the situation should settle down within the next 10 days.

“You should know that Michael was not on the list of players who can play in the Champions League with Chelsea, so he is free to play in the competition with another club.”

He also ruled out a return to Ligue 1 with Bastia.

“A comeback at Bastia? We must stop with this,” added Piveteau. “Michael plays at Chelsea, a big club.

“In Ligue 1 he could play only at Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon… but Bastia, FC Sochaux – without disrespect, no. For them to support the salary of a Chelsea player, it is already impossible.”