Mikel transfer plot thickens as United appeal to missing teen
United insist they have a binding option agreement with the young Nigerian’s club, Lyn Oslo, where he has a three-year contract.
However, the situation became confused as Mikel performed a disappearing act after skipping training yesterday, reportedly because he was en route to London, apparently to sign for Chelsea.
Mikel spent the last few days under armed guard in Oslo after receiving mysterious death threats from England and Nigeria but the situation descended into farce yesterday when the police were called in by his own club.
Gill said: “We cannot track John Obi unfortunately. We sent Jim Ryan (youth team coach) over there yesterday but he didn’t get to see him at all. He cannot go underground forever.
“He was last seen making his way to London, which we find extremely surprising.”
Gill did not mention Chelsea but expressed his surprise that the player was considering going elsewhere.
“I am very disappointed. We have written to another club (about Mikel) but they have not responded to our letters,” he said.
“We have shown due deference to them, explaining the situation.
“We have sent copies to the Premier League and we will see the outcome.”
Gill displayed the contract documents on United’s TV station as proof Mikel will come to Old Trafford when he leaves Lyn.
“We did a deal with the club, quite properly, following the rules. We also did a deal with John Obi. He has turned 18 and turned professional. But in order to play in the Premier League he needs a work permit.
“That is the process we have gone through. We have the rights to the player.”
The sudden shift in Mikel’s thinking is understood to be down to the pressure he has come under from agents Jerome Anderson and John Shittu.
Ryan said: “It is absolutely scandalous. I am certain if John could go to any club, it would be United.
“The picture has changed in the last two days since some people arrived in Oslo.”
Mikel’s change of behaviour is a cause for concern at Lyn.
Sporting director Morgan Andersen said: “Why leave suddenly? Why not tell the club you are contracted to?
“The boys who live with John could see he was scared. He was crying.
“I feel really bad for John, he has to protect himself and his family in Nigeria.
“The agents tried to influence him to say he didn’t want to play for Manchester United.
“He didn’t want to do that but he said he was under great pressure from those people.”
Chelsea were understood to have been left fuming at missing out on a player Jose Mourinho has described as “pure gold” but may now feel they are back in with a chance of landing him.
Reports in Norway claim Chelsea’s anger stems from the fact that they have paid £190,000 (€280,000) to Norwegian Sports School NTG to look after the schooling of four young Nigerians, including Mikel.
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