Lyon boss rules out Essien's move to Chelsea

Olympique Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas has excluded the possible switch of Ghana midfielder Michael Essien to English champions Chelsea due to disagreement on finance details.

"We have rejected their last offer and we are closing the door, " Aulas told reporters on Sunday. "It is great news for the club."

Chelsea, who have been chasing Essien for weeks, had been given until Sunday to match Lyon's valuation of 45 million euros (56.71 million US dollars).

Lyon sources said Chelsea's last offer was 38 million euros plus their Portugal midfielder Tiago, who Lyon officials had earlier said the club was interested in.

Essien, who has not played an official match for Lyon this season, has said he wants to go to Chelsea.

The 22-year-old won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award last season after helping the club claim their fourth successive title.

Source: Xinhua