Besiktas President declare interest in Mikel

Besiktas have confirmed they will make another attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel in January.

The Turkish club tried to purchase the Nigeria international last summer, but coach Senol Gunes had second thoughts about the deal.

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

The Blues could make a second bid for the France star at the end of the season and are also keen on Porto's talented youngster Ruben Neves.

That has encouraged Besiktas to plot another move for Mikel, who continues to be a fringe member of the squad under Jose Mourinho.

Besiktas president, Fikret Oman, confirmed his club's interest in the Nigerian - with a bid likely to be made in January.

“If Gunes had given the go-ahead we were going to sign Mikel (last summer), and we could enter the race again over the winter break,” he said.

Mikel who was in action for the Super Eagles against DR Congo and Cameroon during the International break, is currently Chelsea's second longest serving player behind skipper, John Terry.