SWANSEA City frontman André Ayew has been named in the five-man shortlist for this year’s BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian arrived at the Liberty in the summer of 2015 from French Ligue 1 side Marseille on free transfer, signing a four-year deal.

Ayew, who won the award in 2011, was named Premier League Player of the Month in August thanks to three goals in his first four appearances for the Swans.

He has gone on to score five goals in 12 appearances.

The forward faces two other Premier League players in the race for the honour, Manchester City’s Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Touré and Southampton frontman Sadio Mané from Senegal.

Also named in the BBC shortlist are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund) and Yacine Brahimi (Algeria and Porto).

Voting opened today, November 14, and runs until 6pm on November 30.

Last year’s award was the most successful ever with hundreds of thousands voting from around the globe.

Vera Kwakofi, Current Affairs Editor, BBC Africa says: “We remain overwhelmed by how much African football fans on the continent and around the world take part in this competition with their votes and robust debate. We hope that this year's finalists continue to reflect for fans, the breadth of talent and aspiration that these African footballers represent.”

Fans can vote for free online. SMS voting is also available by texting 1 for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; 2 for André Ayew; 3 for Yacine Brahimi; 4 for Sadio Mané; and 5 for Yaya Touré to +44 77 86 20 20 08.

The winner will be revealed simultaneously on television, radio and online on December 11.

Previous winners include: Yacine Brahimi (2014), Yaya Touré (2013); Christopher Katongo (2012); André Ayew (2011) and Asamoah Gyan (2010).