Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan is hoping a good word from teammate Michael Essien will help him leave the backwaters of the Norwegian second division where he plays with IK Start for Chelsea.
Blues star Essien, who will captain Ghana in Thursday's African Nations Cup semi-final with Cameroon, has recommended Annan to Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
Essien told mtnfootall.com: "I'll do whatever I can to make Chelsea stronger. If that means when I see a good player I tell my club, I will do that."
Annan has impressed with his performances for Ghana during the African Nations Cup, and the 21-year-old not surpisingly says he'd jump at the chance of joining Essien and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge in a reported one million pound move.
"It is exciting to hear of Chelsea interest in me. If Michael has recommended me, I am very grateful," he said.
Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has praised Annan's contribution to the Black Star's Nations Cup campaign and believes his talents are wasted in Scandinavia.
"I don't know how he ended up in Norway," said the Frenchman.
German side Borussia Dortmund are also reportedly interested in signing the player.