Italian to replace Essien?

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as a replacement for injured Michael Essien.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Italian international would be available for around £15m as he only has a year left on his contract, the 27-year-old has come through the youth set-up at Roma but has become frustrated at winning a lack of trophies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

He is a highly respected player across Europe and rated as one of the best centre midfield players in Serie A, if not all of Europe.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

There will be competition from Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus but it is thought the player would be open to a move to England.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

By Scott Balaam

twitter @theshed11