Former Chelsea star Essien set to sign for Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory are on the verge of a major coup with former Chelsea star Michael Essien expected to sign in the coming weeks.

Former Chelsea star Michael Essien is in negotiations to sign with Melbourne Victory Source: Chelsea FC

Victory have been in talks with the former African Footballer of the Year and he could even could play in this month's FFA Cup quarter-final against Bentleigh Greens if he passes a medical, according to Fairfax Media.

"Melbourne Victory can confirm it has made enquiries about securing former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as a full season guest marquee player for the 2016/17 season", the club said.

The Herald Sun reported the FFA has rubber-stamped the ex-Ghana captain's credentials as a guest marquee with the player and club left with just personal terms to negotiate.

If the deal gets done, Essien will be the second player to be signed under the FFA's new guest player rules after Melbourne City captured the signature of Australia legend Tim Cahill. 

The 33-year-old played for Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League last season and has also played for AC Milan and Real Madrid.

However, it was with Chelsea where Essien made his name as one of the world's best central midfielders.

He won the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League with the Blues as Chelsea established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The addition of Essien would only increase Victory's standing as competition favourites and is a direct response to the off season spending spree of crosstown rivals Melbourne City FC.