Fiorentina are always looking out for top players and Essien is just one of them.

Fiorentina director Pantaleo Corvino has scribbled another name down on his transfer hit-list, that of Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

The Viola are looking towards another busy market in the summer, which is the way the club is inclined following last year’s mega spending.

Reports in Italy suggest the Blues could sell up and Fiorentina are in pole position to land him. Il Corriere Dello Sport claims the Tuscan based club are looking towards the Chelsea man.

Essien has been out injured since September after he sustained knee ligament damage for Ghana during a World Cup qualifier with Libya. He has been recovering well after surgery and is expected to return in February.

However, it will not be easy to sign the Ghana international as Luis Felipe Scolari is a big admirer and, in any case, Essien will not be available on the cheap.

Corvino is keen and well known for his knack of sealing the impossible deals. The Viola are ready to spend big money in order to tempt Chelsea. And, with the recent credit crunch affecting buying powers at the Bridge, the West Londoner’s could be open to offers.

The Scudetto is a target for the Tuscan-based club, but big name players are needed if they are to compete against the usual suspects in Serie A.

Source - Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com