Several of Europe’s bigger clubs are reported to be competing for the signature of Lyon’s highly-rated midfielder Michael Essien.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus aree all montioring the form of the 22-year-old Ghanaian.

Fabien Piveteau, his agent, also claimed that several clubs in Spain have expressed an interest in Essien.

“When Michael signed for Lyon we decided he would stay there for three seasons, so it is by no means certain that he will leave in the summer,” Piveteau told The Guardian.

“However, I can confirm there has been interest from Bayern, as well as clubs in Italy, the Premier League and Spain.”

Essien still has three years left on his current contract with the French champions, but given the level of interest, it seems unlikely that they will be able to hang onto the gifted midfielder.