Al Ain dismiss reports of move for Chelsea’s Essien

Simon Collings 16:49 06/01/2014
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  • No UAE move: Al Ain have rubbished claims the club are in talks with Essien (l).

    UAE football fans hoping to see Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien make a switch to the Arabian Gulf League are sure to be disappointed after a source close to Al Ain told Sport360° that a move is highly unlikely.

    Reports had emerged over the weekend that the UAE league champions had launched a bid to secure the services of the Ghanian star.

    It was reported that the lure of teaming up with Ghana colleague – and international captain – Asamoah Gyan would be enough to tempt the former African Footballer of the Year to the UAE.

    Some outlets were even claiming that negotiations were at an advanced stage with Essien, who has only started twice for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea this season.

    However, a source close to Al Ain has told Sport360° that the stories linking Essien with a move to the UAE are false. 

    The news will be a bitter blow for fans of the Arabian Gulf League, who have become accustomed to seeing Champions League stars such as Michel Bastos ply their trade at the Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Stadium.

    The Boss will also be disheartened, with the club seeking a replacement for the injury-plagued and out-of-form Mirel Radoi. The Romanian has made only seven league appearances this season.

    Speculation surrounding Essien’s future was ignited by the 31-year-old’s agent admitting the player could move this January.

    “He could leave Chelsea this winter,” Essien’s agent Fabian Piveteau said. “Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and the situation should settle down within the next 10 days.”

    Essien is believed to be eager to increase his playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, where he will be representing Ghana.

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