Chelsea midfielder odds-on for a January move away from the Bridge
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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is now 5/6 to leave Stamford Bridge in January, and 2/1 says the midfielder teams up with former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United once again.
Mikel is yet to play a minute of Premier League football this season under new Blues boss Antonio Conte, while Mourinho has long been an admirer of the Nigeria international.
In fact, in 2005, it was the Special One who played a part in convincing the then-18-year-old Mikel to move to Stamford Bridge, despite having already signed a contract with the Red Devils. But a lot has changed since then, and after 11 years, it looks as though United may finally see Mikel in a red shirt.
Mourinho has struggled to find the perfect central midfield pair at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese seemingly adamant to build the team around record signing Paul Pogba.
That, of course, would mean he’d have to field a more defensive-minded player alongside the Frenchman in the middle of the park, and Mikel certainly fits the bill.
The 29-year-old certainly doesn’t lack experience, having won two Premier League medals and a Champions League, alongside four FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League since arriving in England.
And with Michael Carrick approaching the latter stages of his career, it’s believed Mourinho sees Mikel as the ideal man to fill the 35-year-old’s boots.
Valued by transfermarkt.co.uk at £9.35m, United wouldn’t have to part with much for the man with 249 Premier League appearances to his name.
What do supporters think? Would United fans welcome Mikel to Old Trafford, and would Chelsea be right to let him go?
Have your say in the comments section below!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
