Lyon eye Monsoreau

Lyon have targeted Sochaux's Sylvain Monsoreau as rumours surrounding Michael Essien's departure persist.

The French champions are desperate to keep hold of Essien, although Chelsea are still hunting the powerful African.

Jose Mourinho is able to get nearly any player he wants thanks to Roman Abramovich's billions, and Chelsea have already shown that they believe they can get any player they want.

A ‚é¼25 million offer for the 22-year-old may finally persuade Lyon to do business, and Gerard Houllier is busy looking at possible reinforcements.

Czech Republic pair Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky are on his list, along with a number of French targets.

Sochaux defender Monsoreau is one of the names on his list, but the powerful stopper may already be on his way to Germany.

Werder Bremen are believed to have offered him a four-year deal, and Lyon's move for the 24-year-old may have come just too late.

Houllier is still due to meet with the player, however, to try and convince him that he would get enough regular football at Lyon.