Besiktas join the chase for long-serving Chelsea midfielder

The transfer window is open for a few more days, meaning we'll have plenty . On Thursday, The Daily Mail is reporting, along with The Guardian, that Turkish club Besiktas have shown interest in Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. Both newspapers report that Mikel is an alternative to a Lucas Leiva deal that appears to have fallen through, as his current club, Liverpool, have decided to stick with him for a little longer, mostly due to a timely injury issue by Jordan Henderson.

Besiktas themselves have been under an injury crisis of their own with midfielders Tolgay Arslan and Veli Kavlak set to miss considerable time. The club seemingly aren't the first Turkish club linked with a Mikel move this transfer window, as Fenerbahce were interested before finding out that they wouldn't be able to meet club and player demands in regards to his transfer fee and wages.

Complicating the deal is the Blues' shortage of options in midfield, as the loss of Mikel would leave little established depth behind Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, and Ramires. That could certainly change very quickly, however, if Chelsea are ultimately successful in their pursuit of Paul Pogba.