John Obi Mikel will leave Chelsea if he's not afforded playing time next season
Mikel is enjoying one of his best seasons with the Blues following Jose Mouirnho's departure, becoming a regular starter under Guus Hiddink.
The Dutchman claimed the Nigeria international was his 'ideal player' and praised him for bringing 'balance' back to a struggling Chelsea side in January.
And according to website AllNigeriaSoccer, Valencia are poised to offer him an escape route should Conte cast him aside in the inevitable summer re-shuffle.
The report says the Spanish club are keen but are working on reducing his reported £2.3milllion wage demands.
Mikel has also been linked with a big-money move to the Chinese Super League and could follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Ramires.
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