Chelsea midfielder latest to be linked with Andre Villas-Boas reunion in China

As the winter transfer window draws closer, so does the apparent end of Mikel John Obi's 10-year Chelsea career. According to the London Evening Standard, the Nigerian midfielder is considering an offer from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG, the team currently managed by former Blues boss André Villas-Boas. While Mikel didn’t exactly have the best of times under AVB’s brief reign as Chelsea boss, the offer apparently includes more than double the weekly wages he’s currently earning.

Mikel's current deal with Chelsea is up at the end of the season and previous reports have claimed that he won't be offered a new deal and will thus be able to leave on a free transfer.

But Shanghai SIPG want Mikel to make the switch during the winter transfer window, and they are prepared to pay Chelsea a nominal fee to make this happen. It is believed that Mikel also has offers from Turkish and Spanish clubs, as well as French club Olympique Marseille. Premier League rivals Manchester United appeared to be interested in his services as well, but no approach has been made by the Red Devils so far.

Mikel has not made a single appearance for Chelsea this season after helping the club stabilize somewhat in the second half of last season under Guus Hiddink's guidance, and it’s not looking likely that the situation will change in the foreseeable future. But Mikel’s just 29, and has plenty left to offer.