Seedorf: Essien needs time at Milan

Clarence Seedorf has urged AC Milan fans to be patient with Michael Essien as he says the Ghanaian midfielder needs time to adapt to his new surroundings.

The 30-year-old joined Milan from Chelsea in the January transfer window, but was kept on the bench for the full 90 minutes in his new side's 1-1 draw against Torino last week.

Nevertheless, the Rossoneri coach is confident that Essien will prove to be a shrewd signing and has hinted he could make his debut in Saturday's away game against Napoli.

"Essien needs time to settle in at his new club, but he remains a champion," the Dutchman said at a press conference.

"He could feature against Napoli this weekend."

Seedorf also stressed that he is determined to get the best out of Adel Taarabt, another new arrival at San Siro.

"I don't care about Taarabt's past. He is an incredibly talented player and we will make sure we do everything needed to get the best out of him," he continued.

"He is feeling very well and there's a chance that he will start against Napoli."

The Milan coach also briefly had his say on Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini and insisted that both strikers can flourish alongside each other.

"Will Balotelli and Pazzini start alongside each other against Napoli? Who knows, anything is possible," he said.

"They are definitely capable of playing together."

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Mourinho: No bids for Chelsea duo, not interested in Guarin

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gave an update about transfer dealings during his press conference ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash against Hull City.

The Blues are linked with players like Fredy Guarin and Jackson Martinez, while media speculated that players like Juan Mata and Michael Essien could leave the club. Further, speculations were rife about a possible transfer of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne while French media reported that star midfielder Eden Hazard might leave the club as well to join PSG.

The reports about Guarin has been doing the rounds for a while, with Inter Milan reportedly are holding out for a fee in the region of £15-18m. When asked about it, Mourinho replied that he is NOT interested in players like Guarin and Martinez.

Regarding De Bruyne’s future, Chelsea boss said that the club has received few proposals for the young Belgian and they’re analyzing it at the moment.

Juan Mata’s future has been speculated in the media as well. Mourinho said few days back that the door is open for Mata, though later reiterated that he doesn’t want the Spaniard to leave. Likewise, the Italian press reported in the morning that Essien is a target of AC Milan. The Serie A giants are looking to sign him on loan, and could enter into negotiations within few weeks. The Portuguese confirmed that no official bids have been received for both the players. Plus, he would not loan them either.

Hazard was linked with PSG in the morning, but Mourinho feels his value in the market would be crazy having signed the Belgian for around £40million.

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Olympiakos keen to sign Chelsea midfielder

Olympiakos are one of a number of clubs considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

The 31-year-old's agent recently revealed that the Ghana international is considering ending his eight-and-a-half-year association with Chelsea having become a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge.

Essien was not included in Chelsea's Champions League squad and is therefore eligible to play for other teams in the competition this season.

OIympiakos, who will face Manchester United in the next round of the Champions League, are keen on the former Lyon man and could make a bid when the transfer window opens later this week.

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