Valencia confirm interest in Mikel Obi

Valencia sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch have revealed he met with Chelsea outcast John Obi Mikel to put forward a proposal a little over a week ago, according to the Daily Mail.

However, the exit of manager Cesare Prandelli after just 10 games since that meeting appears to have thrown a spanner into the works.

Mikel, a veteran of 11 season as Stamford Bridge since joining from Lyn Oslo in 2006 is an outcast at Stamford Bridge having failed to make an appearance this season and his contract is set to expire in the summer.

The Nigeria international is free to talk to foreign clubs about a summer move and Chelsea allowed him to discuss a January exit with Valencia, who are believed to be offering a potential four-year deal.

Pitarch in an interview said: “In the case of Obi Mikel, with Chelsea’s permission, I met with him in London on Christmas Day.

“I informed him of the option [of joining Valencia]. He said he would think about it.” Pitarch told Spanish outlet Superdeporte.

Prandelli left Valencia on Saturday after growing frustrated with their lack of ambition in the transfer market.

The Super Eagles skipper who has also attracted interest from Marseille would have preferred to stay at Chelsea but accepts that he may have to move on,with his agent confirming that a January move for the Olympic Bronze medalist is imminent.