Besiktas eye January move for Chelsea midfielder Mikel

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel could still join Besiktas in January despite the breakdown of his proposed summer move.

A transfer to the Turkish giants fell through but with Mikel having made only one start this campaign, it could be back on the cards in the next window.

Chelsea also made a decision to keep the 28-year-old after attempts to lure Juventus star Paul Pogba to Stamford Bridge failed.

Chelsea, recently linked with a move for Ruben Neves, face competition from Liverpool for the Porto youngster, the Daily Star claims.

That has encouraged Besiktas to plot another move for Mikel, who continues to be a fringe member of the squad under Jose Mourinho. According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are considering recalling striker Patrick Bamford from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, due to his lack of appearances for their first team.

And there have again been reports in the Italian media that Nathaniel Chalobah could return to Chelsea in January.