Antonio Conte wants end to Chelsea’s Chinese exodus

That abrupt White Hart Lane end to Chelsea’s winning run will not change the club’s thinking in the January transfer window. But manager Antonio Conte hopes John Obi Mikel will be the last Chelsea player tempted by Chinese riches.

Midfielder Mikel joined Tianjin TEDA yesterday, following former team-mate Oscar to the Chinese Super League after the Brazilian signed for Shanghai SIPG for €60million last month. Nigerian Mikel, who failed to break into the side under Conte this season, spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge, making 374 appearances and winning 11 trophies.

Striker Diego Costa, who has scored 14 goals this season to lead Chelsea’s march to the top of the Premier League, has been among the names linked with a move to China.