According to English media, Chelsea are ready to give Michael Essien a pay-off to convince him to move to AC Milan.

Essien, who spent the last season on-loan at Real Madrid, is out of favour at Stamford Bridge and his ‘father-figure’, Jose Mourinho, has given him permission to leave the club.

It is reported that Milan made an approach to sign the Ghanaian this week, but apparently the 31-year-old is not willing to accept a salary cut in order to move to San Siro.

The Seria A club, meanwhile, are not willing to match Essiean’s hefty wages which he currently earns at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues are prepared to come to an agreement.

According to reports, Chelsea are ready to pay off the remainder of Essien’s contract to make way for his move to San Siro.

Apparently Essien’s agent has spent the last few days in Italy to agree on a deal with new Milan boss, Clarence Seedorf, who wants to add the African to his midfield options.

In last night's Coppa Italia loss to Udinese, Milan had four midfielders out of six injured and the experienced Essien could help the Rossonieri move from 11th place up the Seria A table.

Should Essien grab this opportunity and start a new chapter of his career in Italy? Have your say in the comment section below.