MICHAEL ESSIEN WANTS A-LEAGUE ACTION

Former Chelsea player Michael Essien is reported to be keen on playing in the Australian league.

Essien has given Australian football agent an authorization to look for interested clubs ready to sign him in the A-League. The former Ghana international has featured for prominent sides – Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan and others. The 33-year old player has picked Australia has his next target. He won two Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the Blues. He was part of the Champions League winning team during his eight-and-a-half year stint with Chelsea.

The Australian agent confirmed to a source that the player really wants to play in the league. There are already links to Adelaide United as they have a free spot available to fill a foreign player, though the club is focused on adding a Spanish forward. He is at the mercy of getting a full season guest player spot with Football Federation Australia.

Melbourne City tapped into the FFA provision in signing Socceroos legend Tim Cahill this summer. Clubs can get assistance if they get big names that meet FFA criteria. Melbourne Victory tried signing Italian international Alessandro Diamanti, but the FFA turned down the deal, so Essien would be hoping the FFA could sanction it. This also means clubs would not be too hopeful of Essien’s inquiry.

Diamanti was in action for Italy at the Euro 2012, where the Italians got to the final. also, he has Premier League and Serie A experience, yet he was rejected. Essien has better records, and has played recently for Greek side Panathinaikos. His defensive capabilities would be a plus for any A-League side, but the FFA would have to decide. However, aside Essien, A-League clubs have the option of 32-year old Argentine forward Gonzalo Bergessio and 35-year old Andrea Gasbarroni.