Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been linked with a move to Bali United following his release by Indonesian league rivals Persib Bandung.

The former Chelsea star, who has been racing for fitness in recent weeks had to leave Persib after it emerged he was no longer in the plans of new coach Mario Gomez.

News of Essien’s exit got to the limelight when he was absent from Persib’s team presentation to fans ahead of the new season last Saturday.

“[Michael] Essien was not among the players we launched because we wanted to fulfill the PSSI regulation of four foreign players in a team,”  club official Zainuri Hasyim confirmed to journalists at the event.

Persib Bandung needed to free up one slot after signing three more foreigners – Bogan Malisic, Oh In-Kyun and Ezechiel N’Douassel in the off season. This resulted in the decision to sacrifice the former Chelsea star.

Essien, 35, is still in Indonesia with reports rife that he could be heading to rivals Bali United.