Anthony Annan is a 22-year-old midfielder from Ghana who, according to reports today, has caught the attention of United and Arsenal.

Annan, who currently plays for Norwegian side IK Start, has spent the week training at Blackburn Rovers. Paul Ince failed to wrap up a deal before the end of the trial, sending the player back to his club so the Rovers’ scouts can watch him in a competitive match, meaning other clubs have started sniffing around the talented youngster.

He has been tipped as the ‘next big thing‘ in Africa, hoping to make the transition to Europe, with the Premiership more likely to suit his physical approach to the game.

Annan will supposedly cost around £1.5 million, which obviously will alert tight-fisted Arsene Wenger. But who is he and who will he sign for?

Annan’s playing career started in Ghana, representing his local sides before making the move to Accra Hearts of Oak aged 19-years-old, where he became widely regarded as the best young midfielder in the country.

Two years later, he made the move to Europe, signing for his current team IK Start, who finished 2nd in the league last season.

His international career began last year against Brazil in a 1-0 defeat, and he has since made 16 appearances for his country. When Chelsea’s Michael Essien is unavailable, Anan has be seen to take his place in the squad, and got some impressive displays under his belt in the recent African Cup of Nations.