Lyon are reportedly mulling over whether to make a bid for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky, once Michael Essien completes his move to Chelsea.

The Ligue 1 champions have begun the search for a midfielder armed with the £26 million from the impending transfer of Essien.

The Czech Republic international was linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier this week but reports in France suggest Lyon are on the verge of a big-money bid for Rosicky.

Although Dortmund would be reluctant to lose the player, reports in France claim that Lyon are ready to offer €20 million for Rosicky – a figure which the Bundesliga club would find difficult to resist.