Former Chelsea favourite John Obi Mikel has been linked with Premier League Crystal Palace and Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
According to The Sun (21 January, page 63), John Obi Mikel has his heart set on a return to England, two years after leaving Chelsea for the Chinese Super League.
The 31-year-old is a free-agent after leaving Tianjin TEDA recently but The Sun claimed that Middlesbrough had turned down the chance to bring him to the Riverside.
But it seems that a shock move to the North East cannot be ruled out just yet. According to Teesside Live, Mikel held talks with Boro last week and those negotiations have now resumed.
And it is understood that Tony Pulis believes the Nigerian international would be a fine addition to his already well-stocked midfield given that he possesses a wealth of experience and would add further steel in front of the defence.
Mikel, who won two Premier League titles during a decade at Stamford Bridge, is also understood to be a target for Crystal Palace, according to TEAMtalk, with Roy Hodgson looking for bargain additions to enhance his relegation threatened side.
Funds are also tight at Middlesbrough with the Northern Echo suggesting that financial problems are preventing Pulis from adding to his one January signing, Dutch winger Rajiv Van La Parra.
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