Anzhi Makhachkala deny "ridiculous" John Obi Mikel reports

Anzhi Makhachkala have denied reports suggesting that they are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Mikel, 24, had previously hinted that he had been contacted by the Russian side, but the club have denied wanting to sign the Nigerian before their transfer window closes on Friday.

"After a few days we get bored of these ridiculous statements in the media," Anzhi vice-president Herman Chistyakov said.

"Nobody at this club knows anything about this player, we are not in contact with him."

Anzhi are reportedly trying to finalise a £7.5m deal for Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba before the deadline.