Chelsea have made an improved bid for Sevilla wing-back Daniel Alves.

The Blues are reported to have increased their initial £21.5million offer by another £3million in the hope of landing the man they see as the answer to their troubled right-back position.

Midfielder Michael Essien was the latest player to be handed the position in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

But although the Ghana international has played in that role for Chelsea many times, he looked distinctly uncomfortable against the Reds.

Chelsea also miss Essien's energy and power in the centre of the midfield when he is switched back to defence and coach Jose Mourinho hopes the signing of 24-year-old Alves will be the answer to their problems.