Mikel wants to leave Chelsea

Sky sources understand John Obi Mikel wants to leave Chelsea after failing to hold down a regular starting place last season.

It is understood the Nigeria international, who started 18 league games in the Londoners' championship-winning campaign, has been told he remains part of manager Jose Mourinho's future plans.

Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates are interested in signing the midfielder, but there has been no comment from Chelsea who refuse to be drawn on speculation over any of their players.

The 28-year-old, who has been capped 64 times by his country, has made 224 appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2006.

Mikel's first-team action has been limited recently due to the form of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas who played leading roles in Chelsea securing their first Premier League title in five years last season.

And the emergence of youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is highly-rated by Mourinho, has also seen Mikel drop down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

(Skysports)