Turkish outfit Besiktas are interested in signing free agent Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The 33-year-old is currently unattached after leaving Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos.

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes retains an interest in the player, who won two English Premier League titles with Chelsea.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid enforcer is attracting interest from Besiktas with a view of landing him after they failed in their bid to secure his services three years ago.

Insiders close to the player have told Ghana's leading football website, GHANAsoccernet.com that a deal could be struck once both parties agree a fee.

Gunes wants to add one experienced midfielder in his squad ahead of the new season and Essien clearly fits the bill.

The Ghanaian struggled with injuries since he joined the Greens from AC Milan last season.

The Black Eagles also have the financial wherewithal to pay Essien's huge financial demands.