English Premier League club Chelsea have turned down a bid from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG for the services of John Obi Mikel.
Shanghai SIPG, who are managed by ex England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, were willing to pay six million pounds transfer fee and offered the Nigeria international approximately £3 million yearly wages.
“Yes, it is true that Shanghai SIPG made a bid for Mikel but Chelsea say he is not for sale and want him to see out his contract,” a representative of Mikel told allnigeriasoccer.com.
“He has to obey Chelsea but plans to hold further talks with them at the end of the season.”
The 28 - year - old Mikel has cemented his place in the Blues first - team squad since the arrival of Guus Hiddink unlike his bit-part role when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
He comes off contract with the Londoners at the end of the 2016-2017 season.