FORMER Chelsea star John Obi Mikel is reportedly set to sign for Stoke on Monday.
The Nigerian midfielder, 33, has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Trabzonspor in March due to the threat of coronavirus.
John Obi Mikel is on the brink of completing his move to Stoke
Now Mikel is set to sign a one-year deal at Stoke – with his medical pencilled in for Monday.
The Telegraph claim Mikel held talks with boss Michael O’Neill during the week.
In their meeting, the Potters boss convinced the ex-Blues man to spend a season in the Championship as they push for Premier League promotion.
At one stage, Stoke were in a battle to avoid relegation to League One after an abysmal 2019-20 season.
They ultimately finished the season in 15th place, eight points above the drop zone.
But despite their shaky season, O’Neill is working on a monster summer overhaul of his lacklustre squad, with Mikel key to his master plan.
The Northern Irish boss has already brought in three players this summer, having signed Morgan Fox, James Chester and Steven Fletcher.
Now Stoke want Mikel, who enjoyed a trophy-laden 11 years at Stamford Bridge.
John Obi Mikel helped Chelsea win two Premier League titlesCredit: PA:Press Association
Mikel played key roles in helping Chelsea win two Premier League titles and the Champions League – as well as three FA Cups and the Europa League.
He last played in England last year, with a short stint at Middlesbrough.
Mikel played 18 times in the Championship, scoring once, in between spells at Tianjin Teda and Trabzonspor.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
