Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien might leave the Black Stars camp midway through next month’s African Nations Cup to join his club side, Chelsea.

According to the English daily, The Mirror, Chelsea are close to a deal with Ghana.

Chelsea had offered to fly Essien back from the tournament on a private jet between matches, allowing him to take part in the club's domestic programme, but the Ghana team did not accept that.

But during a meeting between Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho with Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic and deputy sports minister O.B Amoah before Christmas struck, a deal that would see Essien leave London early but return midway through the tournament.

"It is a decision that has to be taken by the coaching staff, and it may not be as easy as it seems, but I will suggest that the Ghana FA take the decision since it would be appropriate," O.B Amoah said.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho feared he would lose the tough-tackling Essien, along with the Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba and Cameroon midfielder Geremi, for up to six weeks.

FIFA rules mean that competing nations can demand players are released from January 7, two weeks before the tournament kicks-off in Egypt, and with the final scheduled for Cairo on February 10, and Ghana among the favourites, Chelsea could have been missing Essien for a large chunk of the season.

Under the arrangement Essien will attend Ghana’s two-week training camp in Tunis before the tournament, but will be released after just two group games.