Essien Reveals United Desire

Transfer-target Michael Essien has spoken highly of Manchester United, stated he would one day like to play in the English Premiership as a Red Devil.

The Olympique Lyonnais midfielder is accumulating interest for Europe's elite with outstanding performances in the Champions League, most recently bagging 2 goals in Lyon's 7-2 demolition of Werder Bremen.

United could have signed the player when he was 18-years-old, but now at 22, moved on to Bastia and is currently starring for Lyon and is contracted to them until 2008.

"I like Manchester [United]. I know most of their players and like them, and would like to play one day in the Premier League" he exposed.

"I'll be happy to play for Manchester but, at the moment, I'm in Lyon and I have to concentrate on that"

"I like Old Trafford because it's one of the nicest stadiums in Europe and, foremost, I like the coach [Sir Alex Ferguson] very well"