Mourinho wants Chelsea misfit at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is prepared to offer an escape route to midfielder John Obi Mikel in the New Year. The Nigerian international has not kicked the ball under Antonio Conte this season.

Mikel, 29, is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and talks over an extension are yet to progress.

According to The Sun, the Special One is keeping a close eye on the situation of his former player, who he hopes to sign in the winter transfer window.

Mikel is free to discuss pre-contractual terms with a foreign club in January, but Mourinho is hoping that he can negotiate a cut-price deal with Chelsea for his services.

Mourinho did not play Mikel much during his previous stint at West London, but he is confident that the midfielder could form an excellent bond with Paul Pogba, who is yet to showcase his skills in the Premier League.

Mikel is the second longest serving player behind John Terry at Chelsea having joined them from Lyn in 2006 under controversial circumstances.