English side Chelsea have rejected a bid from rivals Everton to sign their Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien.
The Ghana international is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge which prompted Everton to move in with a loan offer.
It is thought coach Roberto Di Matteo would consider letting Essien move on loan but the Blues rejected the ambitious attempt to land midfielder.
And Everton boss David Moyes had hoped to bring the out-of-favour midfielder to boost his side as the Premier League warms up.
But the offer for a season-long loan deal could not materialize because the demands from Essien and Chelsea were too high for Everton.
Everton have opened talks over a move for Steven N'Zonzi after failing in the audacious bid to sign Essien.
Source: MTNFootball.com