Ghana midfielder Michael Essien's tenure at Chelsea could be coming to an end.
Chelsea are edging closer to securing a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin to replace Essien in January, according to his agent.
The 27-year-old has been a target for a host of Premier League clubs in recent months but the Independent are reporting that Chelsea appear to be the frontrunners for the Columbian's signature.
The side are expected to complete a deal worth £15 million deal to bring the playmaker to Stamford Bridge in the next few days despite interest from fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Essien has made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea, a total which would have been considerably higher were it not for several serious knee injuries which have curtailed the latter stages of his career, and that may be one factor which will count against him.
Mourinho undoubtedly likes Essien, even taking him on loan when he was manager of Real Madrid – player and manager jokingly call each other ‘son’ and ‘daddy’.
Colombian Guarin, meanwhile, is four years younger than Essien and can play either in central midfield or on the right. If Chelsea meet Inter’s asking price, a deal may well be done.
But at 31 years old the Ghanaian is beyond the peak of his career and has lost much of his previous zeal, and it is difficult to see quite what he brings to Chelsea this season.
Guarin's agent, Marcelo Ferreryra, told Caracol Radio: "I can confirm Chelsea's interest in Fredy and it's now up to the clubs to discuss a deal. We'll open talks once they have agreed terms.
"We have already been to London with Inter and met with Chelsea directors to make their interest formal.
"There have been talks as part of negotiations. If both clubs reach an agreement, a transfer is an option, but Fredy is happy at Inter as well if they don't agree terms."
Source: Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Isaac Darko
