Essien, M’Vila and Sissoko on Mourinho’s wish list

Jose Mourinho is looking to compensate for the likely departures of Lassana Diarra and Fernando Gago by signing a new holding midfielder.

As Marca reports today, the Portuguese coach has singled out Michael Essien, Mohamed Sissoko and Yann M’Vila as possible replacements for the midfield duo.

Mourinho already knows Essien from his time at Chelsea and is a keen admirer of the Ghanaian, but the €40 million asking price is likely to prove a stumbling block.

Another option is promising Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, who is already a regular in France national team.

The 20-year-old has shown a lot of potential over the last two seasons and Mourinho sees him as perfect replacement for Lassana Diarra, but the problem is that Rennes have slapped €30 million price tag on the youngster.

The last option would include Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, the player who has been on Mourinho’s radar for quite a while.

Real Madrid had a bid rejected for him in January, but he is now expected to reignite his interest in the Malian.