A-League: Victory reportedly on the verge of signing Essien
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is on the verge of signing with Melbourne Victory. (AAP)
Melbourne Victory are reportedly on the verge of announcing one of the biggest coups in the history of the A-League – signing former Chelsea enforcer Michael Essien.
The defending champions are expected to sign the two-time English Premier League champion with the two parties in "advanced discussions".
Football Federation Australia has allegedly given the green light to the deal with Victory to make the 33-year-old Essien a guest marquee.
The new marquee status was created to bring home Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill, who signed with Victory's cross-town rival Melbourne City.
Essien, a former African Player of the Year, began his professional career in France with Bastia and Lyon but it was his move to EPL giants Chelsea that shot him to superstardom.
In a nine-year career at Stamford Bridge, the tough-tackling midfielder claimed two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a League Cup and, in 2012, the crowning glory, the Champions League.
He has also had stints with Real Madrid, AC Milan and lately in Greece with Panathinaikos.
Should the deal get up, it would match the likes of Cahill, Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and guest star David Villa as one of the biggest signings in the competition's history.
