Save up to 33% on a subscription to World Soccer

Michael Essien’s agent has played down reports linking the Chelsea midfielder with a move to Milan.

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is believed to have identified Essien as his prime summer.

However, Essien’s representative, Fabien Piveteau, says he has not heard anything from the Italian club and insists his client is more than happy to remain at Stamford Bridge.

“I have had no contact with Milan,” Piveteau said. “Michael intends to stay at Chelsea for the next three years. Everyone knows that Chelsea are happy with the player and Michael is happy at Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, Essien has compared Chelsea’s season to a sandwich.

“It has been a sweet and sour season,” Essien wrote in his blog. “To use a sandwich analogy: sweet bread at the top, sour filling and more sweet bread at the bottom.

“We started the season extremely well, had a sour middle part and are now ending strongly. We have hit a good run of form lately and have managed to haul ourselves back into the title race.

“We have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend to ensure we are in the driving seat and I can assure you we are up for it. The team is playing well and I have no doubt we will give it everything we have to beat Man United.”

Save up to 33% on a subscription to World Soccer