John Obi Mikel denied Chelsea exit

Chelsea had reportedly blocked the departure of Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel after they failed to land top target Paul Pogba from Juventus.

Mikel was expected to end his nine-year associated with the Blues this summer, having failed to earn sufficient game-time in the previous season.

According to Turkish daily Radyospor, the African star was keen on a switch to Besiktas, but the deal was called off after the Blues failed to agree a deal for Pogba.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his current deal with the Premier League holders.