Oriol Romeu’s possible loan move to Malaga could be blocked if Michael Essien leaves Stamford Bridge, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Ghanaian international Essien is on the verge of a surprise move to Real Madrid, which would mean that the former Barcelona man would need to remain at the London Club as boss Roberto Di Matteo would be left short on midfield cover.
Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is preparing for the potential departure of Lassana Diarra to Anzhi Makhachkala and sees Essien as the ideal replacement for the French international.
The knock-on effect is that Romeu would see his hopes of a return to Spain with the Costa del Sol club scuppered, at least for the time being.
The 20-year-old made just 15 Premier League appearances last term and has found it difficult to break into Di Matteo’s first-team plans at the start of this season.
