Valencia are reportedly confident of signing Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel next month.
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 had a frosty relationship since 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.
A number of Chinese Super League clubs have been linked with Mikel, in addition to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, but according to Plaza Deportiva, Valencia are confident of enticing the experienced midfielder to the top flight of Spanish football.
Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian team Lyn in 2006 - rejecting Manchester United in the process - and is currently the club's second longest-serving player behind John Terry.
Matt Law
