>
Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel could be about to take the plunge into the Far East and follow his team-mate Oscar out of Chelsea in January.
The defensive midfielder has failed to make a single appearance this season for the Blues, as new manager Antonio Conte consistently overlooks him in his 3-4-3 formation.
With Oscar set to make a sensational £52 million move to Shanghai SIPG, it’s reported that two Chinese clubs are looking at signing the 29-year-old. Chelsea are yet to offer their veteran a new deal, with his current deal set to expire after this season.
Mikel has been at Stamford Bridge since 2006, and has made 374 appearances for the West London side, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cup’s, two League Cup’s, the Europa League and the Champions League.
Last season he established himself as an important player, and cemented his position in the starting XI when Guus Hiddink took charge.
But Conte has taken a blind side to his abilities, with Marseille rumoured to be interested, and there are even reports of a shock transfer to Manchester United.
Although Conte insists he has no plans to let the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist leave in January, a new deal is unlikely.
Chelsea sit top of the Premier League, winning their last ten matches as they chase down Arsenal’s record of 13 straight league wins.