Former Chelsea star Michael Essien looks set for a sensational return to the English Premier League this summer with newly-promoted Watford reported to be keen on signing the Ghana international.
Essien is eyeing a Premier League return as he will be released by AC Milan at the of the season, says The Sun.
The Ghana icon has offers from MLS, but is keen to remain in Europe.
Promoted Watford are early contenders to sign the former Blues and Real Madrid midfielder.
Newly-promoted Watford are ready to offer Essien a lifeline after sealing their top-flight status last weekend.
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic is said to be looking for experienced players to help the Hornets avoid relegation back to the Championship, and feels that two-times league winner Essien fits the bill.
The Ghana international spent eight-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge before joining AC Milan in January 2014, making 256 appearances in total.
The 32-year-old, who won a host of trophies with Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, will not remain at the San Siro beyond the summer and is likely to embark on another stint in England.
Ghana international Essien has been restricted to just 13 appearances for Filippo Inzaghi’s team this term, despite their torrid run of form which has culminated in them being languished in mid-table.
His chances of securing regular first-team football would almost certainly increase significantly if he joined Watford, as he provides invaluable experience and knowledge of England’s top-flight, picked up during his highly-successful nine-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
He was one of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants and the Portugese even took him on loan to Real Madrid when he was at the Bernabeu helm.