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Chelsea transfer edges closer: Manager confirms talks
NIGERIA head coach Gernot Rohr has claimed Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel is in talks with Marseille.
John Obi Mikel hits the back of the net with ease
Mikel is yet to play a single minute since Antonio Conte was appointed as Chelsea manager in the summer.
Despite being the club's second-longest serving behind John Terry, Mikel has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
China has been touted as a likely destination with former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas - now in charge at Shanghai SIPG - keen on a reunion with his old player.
Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel looks set to leave in January
Andre Villas-Boas was keen to bring Mikel to China
But Rohr says Mikel is in talks with Marseille and could make the move next month.
"I saw Obi Mikel in London," Rohr told French radio station Europe 1.
"He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille.
"He will leave Chelsea for free. This is a serious option."
Gernot Rohr has confirmed John Obi Mikel could join Marseille
Mikel and Conte are said not to see eye to eye over the midfielder's decision to play at the Rio Olympics.
The 29-year-old is not expected to be the only departure this winter.
Branislav Ivanovic has been linked with a move to Barcelona while Cesc Fabregas' future also remains uncertain.
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