Greek giants want Essien

Greek giants Panathinaikos have made an offer for AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien, according to reports in Italy

It is no secret that the Ghana legend is on his way out of the San Siro this summer, with interest in the player reported from the United States, Turkey and the Premier League.

Major League Soccer trio New York Red Bulls, Orlando City Soccer Club and FC Dallas have all been mooted as potential destinations, while Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion and newly-promoted Watford are believed to be interested in taking him back to England.

Finally, Besiktas have also been linked to the Bison as the Turkish giants look to add the Black Stars icon to their talented roster.

However, according to Sky Sports Italia [via Football Italia], Greek heavyweights Panathinaikos are acting upon their own interest in the player, and have already tabled a bid.

The Italian source reveal that Pana have offered a two-year contract, which would see Essien pocket €1.1million per season, with the possibility of rising to €1.5million with bonuses.

The player’s agent is believed to be heading to Athens over the coming seven days to discuss the deal further, which may see the other sides rumoured to be closing in on an Essien transfer to step up their efforts to recruit the midfield legend.

The player is coming to the end of a disappointing year and a half with Milan.

He arrived at the club in January 2014 when he was let go by Chelsea, but fitness troubles coupled with the side’s own decline, have meant that his sojourn in Lombardy hasn’t lived up to his billing.

The player previously featured for SC Bastia, Olympique Lyonnais and Real Madrid, while he enjoyed great success at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012.