Reports in The Mirror suggest that Liverpool will sign Mickael Essien from French club Bastia for ?4m in the next day or two.

The French club has also confirmed that their youngster, who has enjoyed a great season, is close to signing a big-money deal with Liverpool.

Described as the 'new Vieira', the 20-year old Ghanaian international has attracted a number of clubs including our neighbours Everton.

Chief Exective Rick Parry and manager Gerard Houllier are apparently due in Paris tomorrow to finalise terms for the tough midfielder, who will then be probably loaned back to Bastia for next season.

Lyon, the 2002 and 2003 French National Champions have also expressed an interest in Essien. Essien will play in the famous Champions League if he signs with Lyon.

...Earlier ....Liverpool Chase Essien

23-May 2003 -- Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is hoping to lure Ghana's Mickael Essien away from Corsican club Bastia for ?4m. The young midfielder is expected to be a replacement for Czech international Patrik Berger, who looks set to end his time at Liverpool by joining Premiership rivals Leeds.

Rumour has it that Essien will be offered a five-year, ?25,000-a-week deal.

Essien is already on the summer shopping list of English Premier league side, Everton, and French sides Lyon and Marseille.