AS Monaco midfielder Jerko Leko is being linked with Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti could be forced into the January market after Michael Essien suffered a knee injury in Ghana training on Sunday. The midfielder is returning to London for assessment.

The Times says losing Essien would leave Ancelotti short of defensive midfield players. Juliano Belletti, the Brazil defender, is the only real alternative to John Obi Mikel, although Michael Ballack could also do the job if pressed.

Leko, a Croatia player at Monaco, is admired by Ancelotti.