PAUL Ince is set to have one last look at Anthony Annan before completing a move for the highly-rated midfielder.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian – regarded as the ‘new Michael Essien – has impressed the Blackburn Rovers boss during his time on trial this week.

And after ticking all the right boxes at Rovers’ Brockhall training ground, it looked likely that Annan would clinch a deal ahead of tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against NAC Breda at Ewood Park.

However, despite the fact that Blackburn have reached advanced negotiations with Annan’s Norwegian club IK Start, Ince has made it clear that he wants the young African assessed in competitive action before finalising matters.

Instead of lining up against Breda, Annan will now be watched by Rovers scouts in Scandinavia on Sunday night, when he turns out for Norwegian league leaders Stabaek against Aalesunds FK.

Annan, who featured heavily for Ghana in the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, has been on loan at Stabaek since March, playing an integral part in steering them to the summit of the Tippeligaen.

Although a deal is expected to be wrapped up early next week, a good performance for Stabaek will only enhance his prospects of cementing a move to Rovers.

“Anthony is going back to Norway to play at the weekend,” said Rovers chairman John Williams.

“The reasoning behind it is that Paul wants to see him play in a competitive game.”