Reports in Italy have claimed Chelsea are continuing in their bid to sign Andrea Pirlo despite Milan saying he is not for sale.

However, in spite of Milan's public declarations, Carlo Ancelotti is said to have again stepped up his pursuit of the Italian midfielder, reportedly by adding Michael Essien in as part of the deal.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, insisted that even with Essien thrown in, Milan were not tempted by the deal.

"Chelsea have raised their offer by adding Essien? Pirlo has been removed from the market, so not even this would be considered," Galliani stressed.

"The matter is now closed, and we are not interested in selling Pirlo."

The saga has been ongoing for weeks now, with earlier reports suggesting that striker Claudio Pizzarro was to be included, but Milan publicly announced on Tuesday that Pirlo would be staying with the Rossoneri. 

Even with Essien reportedly added to the deal, Milan seem unlikely to change their stance, and after securing Klaas Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid their priority will be to ensure the squad gels before the Serie A season kicks off.