The agent of Chelsea star Michael Essien has categorically denied stories suggesting that Inter are trying to sign his client.

Essien is widely considered as one of the top centre midfielders in the world, and Inter have identified the signing of a top class player in this position as one of their summer priorities.

Yesterday’s appointment of coach Jose Mourinho at San Siro has added to the speculation that the Nerazzurri were weighing up a bid for the Ghanian, however his agent Fabien Piveteau has rubbished these rumours.

“I have read the English tabloids and seen the rumours,” Piveteau told Tuttomercatoweb.

“But I can say that Inter aren’t trying to sign Essien. There has been absolutely no discussion.

“The player is very happy in London and still has four years left on his contract, so I don’t see that he will be moving for the moment.

“In football anything can happen and everything changes, but Chelsea are a rich, powerful and ambitious club and he is happy to play for them.”

Essien signed for Chelsea in 2005 from Lyon, and has since won a Premier League title, FA Cup and League Cup with the Blues.