Chelsea Midfielder's Future to be Settled in 10 Days

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is subject of interest from several Champions League clubs ahead of a prospective move away from Stamford Bridge, according to the player's agent.

The Ghanaian international has featured just six times this season and having been left out of the Blues' Champions League squad is not cup tied for the continent's elite competition.

That makes Essien a viable option for some of Europe's biggest clubs and while agent Fabian Piveteau says the Chelsea man won't be returning to former club Bastia, he could be a target for two of the giants of Ligue 1.

"He (Essien) could leave Chelsea this winter," Piveteau told French radio station RMC. "Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and the situation should settle down within the next 10 days.

"You should know that Michael was not on the list of players who can play in the Champions League with Chelsea, so he is free to play in the competition with another club."

"A comeback at Bastia? We must stop with this," added Piveteau. "Michael plays at Chelsea, a big club.

"In Ligue 1 he could play only at Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon... but Bastia, FC Sochaux - without disrespect, no. For them to support the salary of a Chelsea player, it is already impossible."

Despite featuring for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho last season while on loan from Chelses, Essien has played a peripheral role this season, making just two starts in the Premier league.

With Frank Lampard, Ramires and David Luiz all having been deployed in midfield, Mourinho has a host of options in the position and Essien's best chance of regular first team football ahead of the 2014 World Cup would be leave west London in the New Year.

Both PSG and Lyon would likely be receptive to being offered Essien in January, particularly the former who will be forced to juggle domestic commitments with their Champions League campaign come next February.