Anthony Annan, who is dubbed as the ‘new Michael Essien’, is reported to be set to stay in Norway, despite Manchester United, Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers being linked with the Ghana midfielder. Spanish club Racing Santander are said to be cooling their interest.

According to skysports.com, Annan, who is on loan at Stabaek from IK Start, is now a target for fellow Norwegian sides Valerenga and Rosenborg; and as such, Racing are set to give up.

The 22-year-old has had a trial with Rovers, but the Lancashire club has been unable to reach an agreement with Annan’s side. The combative central midfielder could not make it for trials at Arsenal as he was apparently tied up with first-team responsibilities with his Norwegian club.