Mikel future settled

One of the most protracted transfer disputes in the history of English football concluded last night with Chelsea signing Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel for a combined £16m (€23m).

Manchester United accepted a £12m (€17.5m) settlement to pave the way for Mikel to become a Chelsea player after the rival clubs reached an agreement over his future.

The two Barclays Premiership sides, along with Mikel’scurrent club Lyn Oslo, who received £4m (€5.8m), worked together to allow the 19-year-old to join the current English champions after a bitter transfer dispute.

The Stamford Bridge side will pay half of both amounts now and half in 12 months’ time.

United thought they had secured the talented player from Lyn after he signed a pre-contract agreement with them in April 2005.

But Mikel subsequently claimed he had been pressured into signing the contract and wanted to join Chelsea instead.

Following last night’s agreement, Mikel’s registration will now be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea as soon as possible while United have agreed to terminate their option agreement with the 19-year-old.

A statement from Chelsea added: “As a result of this settlement all claims in this matter, which Chelsea were never an official party to, are now withdrawn.

“The payments do not in any way imply the acceptance of any such claims and have been made solely so that Mikel can resume his career.

“United will support Chelsea in any work permit application if necessary.

“All parties have agreed that there will be no further comment on the settlement or any of the allegations or claims.”