R.S.C. Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani was the subject of a bid from an unnamed English Premier League club in the January transfer window, according to the player’s agent Christophe Henrotay.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo international, joined Anderlecht from AS Monaco for a fee of €3 million in August 2011, has reestablished himself as a top-class European talisman after struggling for success at Monaco and VfL Wolfsburg over the past two seasons.
Mbokani, 27, was initially loaned to Anderlecht by parent club Tout Puissant Mazembe, previously known as Englebert, during the 2006-07 season.
After a successful loan spell in the Brussels-Capital Region, Jupiler Pro League giants Royal Standard de Liège snapped up Mbokani for an undisclosed transfer fee.
As previously mentioned, he then proceeded to struggle at Monaco and Wolfsburg. However, since returning to Belgium, Mbokani has been on scintillating form, scoring goals week in and week out.
The 27-year-old’s recent performances have put him on the radar of a number of European clubs, including Serie A trio ACF Fiorentina, Internazionale Milano and Juventus.
“Mbokani is having a great season and I can confirm interest from clubs across the continent,” revealed Mbokani’s agent Christophe Henrotay.
“Juventus, Inter Milan and Fiorentina are all keen on him, but nothing has been discussed as yet.
“I can confirm that there was a bid from an English club in January. I will not reveal the name of that club.”
Mbokani scored two goals, against Málaga CF and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, in five UEFA Champions League appearances for Anderlecht this season.
Essien expects Chelsea return
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who is currently on loan at Real Madrid, expects to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, ESPN FC understands.
Essien, 30, has been reunited with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu this term.
Rumours continue to circulate in the English and Spanish press that Mourinho will return to Chelsea in the summer.
If so, Essien will likely play an important role at the club, and rightfully so.
Why the Ghanaian was loaned out by Roberto Di Matteo at the beginning of the current campaign remains a mystery.
Uncoincidentally, the Blues have lacked ample bodies in central midfield for the majority of the 2012-13 season.
“I have a contract at Chelsea and at present I am only on loan here, so nothing has changed,” said Essien.
“They [Chelsea] can still win trophies in the cups this season, so people shouldn’t write them off yet.
“I have followed Chelsea all season and although it hasn’t been as planned at the start of the season, I think it’s down to the fact that it is a transitional season.”
Essien has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos this term.
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