Chelsea are closing in on a ?16 million deal for Olympique Lyon star Mickael Essien.

The Mirror says Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon has made "significant progress" in the capture of Ghana midfielder Essien.

The Blues, who are again the only genuine contenders for the player after interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United melted away, will pay Lyon ?16m for Essien and are confident the deal can be signed and sealed by Monday night