According to The Daily Star, Valencia want to bring Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel to the Mestalla in January. Coach Cesare Prandelli has identified the 29-year-old Nigerian as his primary target and although the player is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season, it’s believed that Antonio Conte would be prepared to let Mikel leave for pastures new.
 

Nigerian portal AllNigeriaSoccer.com states that the Spanish club tried to sign the player in the summer but his wage demands were too high so the deal fell through. Prandelli is believed to be keen to use his friendship with his Italian counterpart to seal the move this time around.  

Mikel has yet to feature under Conte since he took over in the summer and now it seems as though his 10 year association with the West London club will be coming to an end in the new year. During his time at the club, the Nigerian has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League in 2012.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler