Chelsea look to Essien

ROUND-UP: Chelsea's clean-up operation after the messy business of missing out on Steven Gerrard for a second time began yesterday with the expectation that Michael Essien will join from Lyon later this month.

With Hernan Crespo returning to Stamford Bridge next Monday following a season's loan at Milan, Chelsea were attempting to put a positive spin on a difficult week.

Though unquestionably a setback for Jose Mourinho, Gerrard's indecision did help reinvigorate discussions over Essien.

Lyon have rejected a £17.5 million offer from Chelsea but the Premiership champions' £32 million bid for Gerrard alerted their president Jean-Michel Aulas to the possibility that they may be turning their sights elsewhere, prompting him to reopen dialogue from his holiday home.

Arsenal are weighing up whether to make an offer to Seville for 23-year-old Brazilian forward Julio Baptista. An initial inquiry, reported to have been around £6 million with a further £2 million based on appearances, is said to have been rejected.

However, while Seville are holding out for an improved offer of possibly up to £10 million, it appears they are willing to reach an agreement.

Wisla Krakow striker Maciej Zurawski's move to Celtic remains on hold. The 28-year-old Poland international agreed terms last week. But Zurawski is currently training on his own at Wisla Krakow as he waits for the two clubs to agree on his fee.

Krakow have set the Scottish side a weekend deadline to seal the deal, while Fiorentina are believed to have joined the chase for the talented frontman.

Tommy Burns, meanwhile, has been promoted to first-team coach by Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. Burns, who will remain head of youth development at the club, will work alongside Strachan and Garry Pendrey.

Karl Pierre-Fanfan turned down a last-minute move from Celtic to sign for Rangers from Paris St Germain.

Defender Fanfan (29), was so impressed with Rangers' negotiating team he had no hesitation in joining. He said: "Rangers really wanted me and were more professional so I was very happy to sign."

Barry Ferguson has been appointed as Rangers captain for next season. He previously skippered the team before his departure to Blackburn in 2003.

Lee Bowyer's future at Newcastle has been thrown into doubt by claims that former club Charlton are ready to make a £1.5 million bid. Bowyer left Charlton for Leeds United in 1996.

Pierluigi Collina's continuation as a Serie A referee was confirmed yesterday when he was included on the officials list for next season.

Collina was set to hang up his whistle after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 45 only for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to allow special dispensations to be granted to UEFA-Elite standard officials. He will not be able to officiate at European games beyond 2005.

Tonight's fixtures (7.45 pm)

National League First Division

Dublin City v Monaghan Utd; Dundalk v Cobh Ramblers.