At a press conference on Friday, Adriano Galliani insisted that no negotiations have taken place to bring Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to AC Milan on loan.

“In these days, there are a lot of contracts, but there is not a negotiation open with Essien,” said Galliani, whose side had recently been reported as having serious interest in the Chelsea man.

Essien’s Champion’s League eligibility is seen as a crucial factor in Galliani’s reported interest, with Milan currently lacking midfield depth in CL play. “It is not yet certain that we’ll take another midfielder, but having Muntari and Montolivo banned in the Champions League (against Atletico Madrid) it is clear that if a new player will come he should be able to play in the Champions League.”

Essien has been trapped in an unenviable situation at Chelsea, whose deep midfield has afforded the Ghanaian little playing time. He has appeared in only three Premier League games this season. A move to the San Siro could rejuvenate his season with ample playing time available there for the taking.