These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Essien joins Danish side

The BBC reports former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has joined Danish side FC Nordsjaelland as an assistant coach.

According to the report, the former Ghana international midfielder has recently spent time at the Danish Superliga club in pursuit of his coaching badges and has now agreed to become a player-coach, under the guidance of head coach Flemming Pedersen.

‘I am delighted to have joined the FC Nordsjaelland coaching staff as part of my development towards my full coaching licence,’ said the 37-year-old.

‘I will also be assisting the players on and off the pitch as part of my role.’

A statement from the club added: ‘He will join the staff in an assistant role and participate in the trainings alongside the players to help implement the drills and ideas in the best possible way, as well as contributing with new input to coaching group evaluations of the training session afterwards.’

Pedersen is looking forward to working with Essien.

‘In the coaching staff we've experienced Michael Essien as both curious and hungry for knowledge before and after the training sessions, but at the same time also contributing and giving among the players during the trainings,’ said the Nordsjaelland manager.

‘His career and experience speak for themselves, but when you add his humble and giving personality, this is an exceptional opportunity for us to get a person added to the staff who can help make our environment even more developing for our players and also add valuable input to the coaching team and be our hand on the training pitch.’

Moses makes big donation to Wigan

Victor Moses has become the second Chelsea player after Reece James to lend a helping hand to Wigan Athletic after making a ‘significant donation’ to the fund to help save his former club, goal.com reports.

Wigan supporters are aiming to raise £750,000 to support the club this season and are close to their target after the contribution from the Nigeria international, who joined Chelsea from the Latics in 2012.

‘Wow – what can we say? When Victor got in touch to say he wanted to help by donating such a substantial amount, I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing – it’s such an incredible gesture,’ said Wigan Athletic Supporters' Club chairperson Caroline Molyneux.

‘Victor wanted to make the donation and remain anonymous but we simply had to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves. Victor’s contribution has taken us past £650,000 and to within £100,000 of our next target of £750,000.

‘We are so thankful to Victor for his support. He is an excellent footballer, a true role model and someone we always enjoyed watching at the DW Stadium – he will always be welcome back here, even more so now!’

Moses himself has urged others to help save the financially stricken club.

‘Wigan Athletic will always have a special place in my heart,’ he tweeted.

‘I have so many incredible memories from my time there and the people of Wigan and everyone associated with the club have always been so good to me and my family. We must do all we can to protect the future of this great club.’

Ivanovic to join Baggies?

According to the Daily Mail, Branislav Ivanovic is in talks with newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion, with the former Chelsea defender keen on a return to the Premier League.

The Serbian is a free agent after leaving Zenit St Petersburg earlier this summer and he was previously linked with a move to Everton, who are managed by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

However, it appears he could move instead to the Midlands to sign for the Baggies.

‘The 36-year-old can openly talk with clubs since he was released by Zenit St Petersburg this summer after three years with the Russian club,’ states the report.

‘Ivanovic has maintained a high level of fitness, playing regularly in Russia, and is now in talks about a potential move to Premier League new boys West Brom. The defender featured 35 times for the Russian champions last season in all competitions, scoring four goals.

‘There is no indication on what stage talks are at with the Baggies, though the Midland outfit are unlikely to offer Ivanovic, who turns 37 in February, a deal any more than one season.’