Struggling English Premier League side West Ham have tried and failed to hijack AC Milan's move for Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.
Chelsea turned down the Hammers' approach, which involved a loan move until the end of the season, because they preferred to finalise a permanent deal for the midfielder.
Essien is expected to seal a switch to the Serie A giants having only made five Premier League appearances under Jose Mourinho this season.
He passed a medical on Sunday and will put pen to paper to an 18-month contract on Monday, according to reports in Italy.