Transfer Centre

Odion Ighalo wants John Obi Mikel to join him at Watford

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 December 2016

Watford striker Odion Ighalo calls on his club to move for Chelsea midfielder and fellow Nigerian John Obi Mikel in the January transfer window.

Watford striker Odion Ighalo has called on his club to move for Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel in the January transfer window.

Mikel, 29, has not played a single minute of first-team football since Antonio Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer, and it is understood that the pair have a frosty relationship after the midfielder decided to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics.

The experienced Nigerian has vowed to continue working hard in a bid to convince Conte of his worth, but has hinted that he will seek pastures new at the start of 2017 if the current situation does not change.

Manchester United have been linked with the defensive midfielder, but Ighalo is hopeful that his international teammate will make the move to Vicarage Road.

"I would like it if Mikel joined me at Watford. He is my captain at the national team. Apart from that he is a very good player, very talented," Ighalo told reporters.

"There is no team in the Premier League that will not want to have such a player. I am happy I have played with him so I will be very happy to have him in my team."

Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian team Lyn in 2006 - rejecting Man United in the process - and is currently the club's second longest-serving player behind John Terry.