AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has reportedly contracted the deadly Ebola virus.

No reports have yet been confirmed, although the Daily Times Nigeria quotes Milan club spokesman Riccardo Coli as saying: "It has come to a big shock to everyone involved with the club but we are optimistic for Essien.

"He is a very strong person and the Ebola has been caught in the early stages. He's in experts hands so he should be fine."

The Ghanaian international joined the Italian giants in January this year following a nine-year stint at Chelsea.