NIGERIAN international, John Mikel Obi is on the verge of signing a new five-year contract with Chelsea to starve off Inter Milan manager, Jose Mourinho’s interest in him.

Mourinho has been hoping the Nigerian midfielder would follow him to Serie A, but Mikel is set to pledge his future to the Blues after becoming a regular this season.

The former Chelsea manager is looking for a replacement for Patrick Vieira and reports in Italy claimed he was prepared to offer the Nigerian £,a-week (about N. million) to make the switch to Serie A.

Mikel, who still has two years left on his current deal left to run, is understood to earn around £,a-week (about N. million) at the moment.

Mikel has enjoyed his best season for Chelsea since he joined the club from Lyn Oslo in .

The Nigerian international opened talks over a new deal at the end of last year but they were then put on hold.

But Chelsea is determined to keep Mikel at the club and is expected to match the offer Inter was reportedly planning.

Mikel’s agent, John Shittu, told London’s Evening Standard: “We are now discussing the renewal of the contract. There has been interest from different clubs in Spain and Italy, not forgetting some big teams in England, but John will remain at Chelsea.

“For the time being his only concern is to ensure his position with the Blues and until he has done that he will go nowhere.”

Mikel showed his growing maturity in Chelsea’s draw with Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, first leg at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.

It was his nd start of the season, which is already higher than the personal best he set in the last campaign.

He played a significant role in helping Chelsea nullify Barca’s much-vaunted attack after being picked by Guus Hiddink to play alongside Michael Ballack in front of the back four.

Nigeria Tribune - friday 01-05-09

[color=#006600]this is a good news and i expect to hear more of this.[/color]

Heyaa!!  I am happy for him o!!   no be small matter o-----Oh my God!! sigh! sigh!! catches breath  - doyou mean Mikel is signing a new 12.6m  Naira a week!!ehn ehn?? talk true!! to fend off the special one?? i am happy 4 him o!