BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes could be lining up a swoop for the 'new Michael Essien'.

Ghanaian international Anthony Annan, who is rated as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, claims Rovers are one of three Premier League clubs leading the chase for his signature.

And the 21-year-old midfield powerhouse, who currently plays for IK Start in Norway, admits he would jump at the chance of securing a dream move to England this summer.

Hughes has been tracking Annan's progress for some time, and he even brought him to Brockhall for a trial at one point, but a problem over a work permit meant he had to put his interest on hold.

However, it would seem the Rovers chief may now be ready to go back in for the African, who has since become an established international.

When asked about the possibility of a move to the Premier League this summer, Annan responded: "That's what I'm hoping.

"My agent is working hard for me, and he says a lot about me moving to the Premiership in the summer, so I'm looking forward to playing there.

"He told me Blackburn, Bolton and Middlesbrough are all interested.

"My first choice is for a move to England, but I would also think about France or Spain."

A junior and Olympic international for Ghana, Annan received his first senior call-up in March last year, ironically as a replacement for the injured Essien for the friendlies against Austria and Brazil.

He won his first cap against Brazil on March 27, 2007, at the Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm, and has figured regularly for Ghana ever since.

Some stunning performances at the 2008 African Cup of Nations, where he was one of the stars of the tournament, fuelled speculation linking him with moves to Chelsea, Caen and Borussia Dortmund.

And he was recently voted one of the top 10 most exciting youngsters in world football by the website Sportingo.