Fenerbahce to move for Michael Essien?

Fenerbahce are said to be preparing an offer for out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

Despite recovering from the injury problems that saw him miss large chunks of last season, the 29-year-old Ghanian has yet to feature for the European champions this term.

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues would be willing to sell Essien in order to help balance the books after an expensive summer, and Fenerbahce are hopeful that a bid of £8m will prove successful.

The Turkish giants have also reportedly made an enquiry about Essien's teammate Raul Meireles.

Essien moved to Stamford Bridge from Lyon for a fee of £24.4m in August 2005.