Real Madrid to offer Robinho, Drenthe for Chelsea's Essien

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is being linked with a swap move to Real Madrid.

The Mail on Sunday says Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in Essien and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic attended Chelsea's Champions League win over Fenerbahce earlier this month, a visit which is believed to have included a meeting with Stamford Bridge chief executive Peter Kenyon and talks with Essien's agent.

Real may offer Brazil star Robinho and Dutch winger Royston Drenthe to reduce the £30million it would cost to secure Essien.