Four contact Essien's agent

Four of Europe's biggest clubs have contacted Michael Essien's agent.

Four of Europe's biggest clubs have contacted Michael Essien's agent according to the man himself Fabien Piveteau.

The versatile midfielder is very highly regarded and enhanced his growing reputation in a defensive role when helping Lyon triumph 3-0 against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

After impressing against Manchester United in the group stages of the competition, The Red Devils are one of the clubs trailing the Ghanaian.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be pondering options for a long-term replacement for skipper Roy Keane after the signing of Eric Djemba-Djemba failed to work out, with the Cameroon international departing for Aston Villa after failing to make the grade at Old Trafford.

Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona will compete for Essien's signature should Lyon decide to cash in on his talents in the summer.

"I know Juventus are attracted to him," Piveteau told L'Equipe.

"However, I haven't had direct contact. But that is the case with people from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal."

Juventus vice-chairman Roberto Bettega was apparently in the Monaco stands last Friday to see the defensive midfielder compete in the crunch League One fixture.