Nigerian, John Obi-Mikel has spent eight successful seasons with the Blues but has fallen down the pecking under Jose Mourinho this season. Although it was the Portuguese who initially bought him from Lyon in 2006, his plethora of options in midfield means that Mikel is no longer guaranteed a start in the first-team.

The 26-year-old is behind Lampard and Ramires in the pecking order and the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January has further limited his chances. Even David Luiz has been selected in front of him in his preferred central midfield position.

According to the Mirror, Mikel is being lined up by Italian side Inter Milan for a summer move. Inter coach Walter Mazzarri reckons Mikel will be a perfect shield for the back four as he seeks to revamp the squad which is languishing in fifth position in Serie A, a massive 26 points behind leaders Juventus.

The report suggests that new Inter president Erick Thohir will provide the necessary funds to overhaul the squad. It also says that Chelsea will look to replace Mikel with Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.