Anthony Annan joins Stabaek to keep fit

Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan has joined Norwegian giants Stabaek on a special loan deal that will see him leave the club when the transfer window for the major leagues in Europe opens.

The 21-year-old was released by his relegated club IK Start ahead of the start of the country's top league next week.

His loan deal to Staebaek will enable him get playing time at the top level before a likely move away from Norway in June.

Annan was one of the successes at the recent African Cup of Nations, igniting interest from clubs across Europe.

Several clubs across including Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and host of French clubs are in talks to sign him.

The severe winter in Norway means the country?s top league can only start in March unlike the other major leagues in Europe.

This means Annan has to wait until the new transfer window in the major leagues of Europe open in June before he is able to complete a move.

His signing for Stabaek will ensure that he is in good shape when he joins a top club.

Stabaek finished second in the league last season and will play in the Uefa Cup next term.

Michael Essien has recommended him and told Blues boss Avram Grant to sign up his fellow midfield player before he is netted by another top European club.