South African side Cape Town City has rejected the opportunity to sign former Chelsea star Michael Essien

The owner of South African side Cape Town City, John Comitis has revealed that the club has turned down the opportunity to bring former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to the Premiership.

Comitis claims an offer to sign the midfielder was rejected, as the 34-year-old was not considered as someone who would improve the current title chasing squad.

"We were offered Essien and we did look at the deal quite closely, with regards to what he could bring to our current squad, but in the end we decided against it," he told The Sowetan.

"Once we weighed up everything, it was just not the right move for us."

Essien is a former Champions League winner with Chelsea, but the 34-year-old Ghana legend has been without a club since leaving Greek side Panathinaikos in September 2016.

He can still join a club, even though the domestic transfer windows are shut.