A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory are after Michael Essien.

The Australian club have confirmed that they have enquired about signing the former Chelsea midfielder under the guest marquee rule.

The 33-year-old Ghanaian, affectionately as 'The Bison', is a free agent after leaving Geek club Panathinaikos recently and the Victory admit they want him for the 2016/17 campaign.

"Melbourne Victory can confirm it has made enquiries about securing former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as a full season guest marquee player for the 2016-17 season," the club said.

"Essien is one of a number of high-profile foreign players the club has investigated during the pre-season, as it looks to bolster its squad for the upcoming campaign.

"The club will advise if there is any further development on this matter."

The Victory hope to lure the ex-Bastia, Lyon, Real Madrid and AC Milan man to Melbourne in a bid to compete with neighbours Melbourne City who signed Australian icon Tim Cahill last month.

News Limited understands that the Victory are in advanced talks with Essien who only needs to agree personal terms with the three-time A-League champions.

Essien, who was a Stamford Bridge favourite, spent almost a decade with Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups and one League Cup.