Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stepped up his interest in signing Ghana midfielder Michael Essien from English side Chelsea. Mourinho is seeking to replace French Lassana Diarra who is eager to leave the Royal club next season, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. “Essien can cover the entire width of the field and some more than good technical conditions.” the Spanish newspaper described the Ghanaian stopper. Marca also revealed that Essien’s problem is his price about 40 million Euros so Real Madrid will splash the cash for the Ghanaian’s services. The 28-year old midfielder has committed his future to Chelsea and ruled out reports linking him with a summer move to AC Milan and Inter Milan. He still has four years in his current contract with the Blues. The 2008 BBC African player of the year made 51 appearances with Ghana national team and helped his side to snatch the team of 2008 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Essien missed the rest of the games in the English Premier League with Chelsea in 2010 after sustaining a knee injury during international duty in the 2010 African Nations Cup. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com