Samson Siasia: 'John Obi Mikel ready to leave Chelsea'

Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has said that he expects John Obi Mikel to leave Chelsea during the January transfer window.

Mikel has failed to make an appearance for the Blues since the start of the season and he is likely to receive offers at the turn of the year as his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge approaches its end.

Siasia - who has worked with Mikel during his two spells with Nigeria - has revealed that Mikel was already contemplating a departure in August but feels that the midfielder can be proud of his time in West London.

The 49-year-old is quoted by Africanfootball.com as saying: "He is ready to quit Chelsea because he said this man (Antonio Conte) does not have anything for him and that was what he told me before he came down to the Olympics.

"It will be better for him to leave now because he has done very well after 11 years at Chelsea, not even Didier Drogba did not last that long there. He already has a British passport and two girls, he has done very well and will now leave."

Mikel has made a total of 368 appearances for Chelsea since 2006.