United sign Mikel

Manchester United beaten off stiff competition from Chelsea to capture Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel from Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo.

The 18-year-old, who has been named in the Nigerian training squad for this year’s FIFA World Youth Championship, has had trials at Stamford Bridge and Jose Mourinho appeared to be ready to sign him.

Instead, Alex Ferguson has stepped in to sign the youngster, who impressed during the Norwegian League campaign as Lyn finished sixth.