Three Premier League clubs are leading the race to sign Ghanaian international Anthony Annan, who has been dubbed 'the new Michael Essien'.The 21-year-old, currently plying his trade for Norweigan side IK Start, admits he would love the opportunity to make the move to England during the summer and Blackburn, Bolton and Middlesbrough are all keen on the midfield powerhouse.

Annan actually spent time at Rovers on trial but work permit problems meant that Mark Hughes had to shelve his interest. But because the Ghanaian is now a full international, the paperwork is not anticipated to be a problem

Annan said: "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."

Annan won his first cap against Brazil on March 27, 2007 but it was his performances in the African Nations Cup which have attracted the interest of Premier League and European clubs.

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