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| Mikel | credits: File copy |
Another Turkish side Trabzonspor have joined their rivals Galatasaray in the race for Chelsea star Mikel Obi.
The Nigerian holding midfielder, 26, who was remarkable for his country during the FIFA Confederations Cup still has four years remaining on his deal in west London. Transfer experts suggest that Jose Mourinho could be convinced to let him move on as he looks to continue his off-season strengthening, having already re-enforced his midfield following the signing of Marco van Ginkel.
Galatasaray, where former Blues team-mate Didier Drogba now plays made their move last month and now their old Super Lig foes are also pushing for the £16m-rated star.
The Super Eagles midfielder has not been categorical about the Turkish links but he admitted last month that he is unsure whether he has a long-term future in London under returning manager Mourinho. The Nigeria international has spent seven years with Chelsea after joining in a controversial move from Lyn Oslo in 2006.
There have been mutterings about deals having been done, followed by stories about it all being a load of speculations but on Thursday fresh news filtered through that another potential Turkish destination could be on the horizon with Trabzonspor expressing an interest in the £16m man.
But all the news has come from Turkey and elsewhere as the Stamford Bridge team remain silent on the matter. Their expression on Thursday was not on the Nigerian but on a Portuguese youngster called Bruma. Bruma’s agent confirmed that both Chelsea and Galatasaray have tabled bids worth an initial €8m for the Sporting Lisbon attacker.
Newspaper speculation has repeatedly linked the 18-year-old, who previously declared that he would hold discussions over his future after the U-20 World Cup, with a move away from the Portuguese Liga side this summer.
Bruma was part of the Portugal team that topped its group before exiting at the hands of Ghana in the last 16 and scored five goals in his four appearances at the tournament.
“I was in charge or presenting offers to Sporting,” the youngster’s agent, Catio Balde, told Antena 1. “There are offers from foreign clubs, from Chelsea and from Galatasaray, worth €8m, that could reach €12m. From this moment on, considering that he is a highly coveted player, it is possible that more offers will arrive, because I know that several clubs were waiting for the best moment to make a move.
“Right now, Bruma’s mind is not on Sporting.”
Source: Punch
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