Michael Essien to join Asamoah Gyan at Al Ain

According to GhanaSoccerNet, This comes after Jose Mourinho said he could not guarantee Essien a starting place in Chelsea which has prompted his decision to leave the club to look elsewhere for playing opportunities ahead of the World Cup in June An Al Ain spokesman refused to comment on the possibility of Essien joining the UAE champions, but also did not deny the team’s pursuit.

Sources close to the midfielder have told Ghana’s leading football news outfit Ghanasoccernet.com that Al Ain directors have made initial inquiries about signing the want-away player from the Blues.

In fact Asamoah Gyan, who is a close friend of Essien, mooted the idea to Al Ain officials who are seeking replacement for out-of-form midfielder Mirel Radoi which has prompted the chase by the UAE club.

Al Ain, the mega-rich UAE club who also fund English side Manchester City, will come up with the money needed to sign the players from Chelsea even though the price involved is unknown but they are keen to seal the deal this week.

If the move for a permanent deal falls through, Al Ain could argue for a loan deal similar to what they did with Gyan when he moved from Sunderland.