Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien could leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, according to his agent Fabian Piveteau.

The 31-year-old has rarely featured for the Blues since returning on loan from Real Madrid this season.

Fabian Piveteau admits Essien will quit the Stamford Bridge club but was quick to dismiss rumours linking the defensive midfielder to Bastia or Sochaux.

"We must stop with all that, Michael plays Chelsea, a big club. Then return to France, do not dream ... In France he could not play in Paris, Lyon ... But Bastia Sochaux, no disrespect, no," he told RMC Sport.

"In fact, he could leave Chelsea this winter. Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and he should settle down within the next ten days."

"You should know that Michael was not on the list of players who can play in the European Cup with Chelsea, so it is free to play C1 with another club."

The box-to-box midfielder was a hit in France after playing for Bastia and Olympique Lyon before his move to England.

The 31-year-old returned to Chelsea this season from Real Madrid where he was on loan last term. But manager Jose Mourinho has not been impressed with his output.

Essien has made only six appearances for Chelsea so far, and it does look like he can make more appearances.