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Midfielder to make surprise free transfer after pre-season spell with Chelsea
MICHAEL ESSIEN is close to completing a move to Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory, according to reports.
Michael Essien is reportedly on the brink of a move to Melbourne Victory
Essien has been without a club for months following his release from Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.
The 33-year-old trained with Chelsea last month - featuring in a 2-1 friendly win over Championship side Brentford.
And there was some talk over the former Blues star making a permanent return to Stamford Bridge as a free agent.
However, Australian newspaper Herald Sun claim the Ghana international is now close to joining Melbourne Victory.
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The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) say he will be granted Full Season Guest Player status and suggested he will be Victory's marquee signing for the 2016/17 season.
"Michael Essien has had a tremendous domestic and international career, which qualifies him for a position as a Full Season Guest Marquee Player," FFA chief David Gallop said.
"And we have come to an agreed financial contribution if a club was to come to an agreement."
Essien's arrival is said to be in response to Victory's rivals Melbourne City signing former Millwall and Everton star Tim Cahill.
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