If Carlo Ancelotti is to replace Guus Hiddink on the Stamford Bridge bench next season, it is believed he will try to bring Pirlo and Seedorf with him.

While the Dutchman’s contract expires in 2011 and at age 33 he can no longer attract a huge bid, the same cannot be said of World Cup winner Pirlo.

According to Italian newspapers this morning, Milan value the Azzurri midfielder at around £18m, but would be willing to accept a player exchange.

Expected new Coach Leonardo is eager to bring Ghana star Essien to San Siro and the versatile 26-year-old would be the ideal figure in this swap deal.

Essien would be able to play wide midfield or take the same Pirlo position in front of the defence, bringing more pace and grit to the side.

There is the issue of his non-EU status, as Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has already taken up one spot in Milan’s squad.

This means there is only one new non-EU member allowed into the team next season, so another potential buy – Brazilian Hernanes – would have to be sacrificed.