11 May 2005 -- Lyon have confirmed that they have been approached by several of Europe?s biggest clubs regarding the availability of Ghanaian striker Michael Essien.

Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas says that Premiership trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made enquiries about the 22-year-old but he denied that Juventus have made an approach.

Aulas also revealed that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also contacted the French club to enquire about Essien.