United and Arsenal chasing Essien - agent

Manchester United and Arsenal are among a group of top clubs chasing Lyon’s star midfielder Michael Essien, according to the player’s agent.

Fabien Piveteau claims the Barclays Premiership pair, along with Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen on the 22-year-old Ghanaian who has been instrumental in the French title-holders Champions League progress this season.

“I know that Juventus are interested in Michael,” Piveteau told www.lequipe.fr.

“I have not, however, had any direct contact with them yet, which is not the case with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.”

Lyon thrashed Werder Bremen 3-0 in Germany this week in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Essien has scored three goals in Europe and three in the domestic league.