ESPN reports that Sheffield United have made an offer to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
Mikel is currently seeking a new club after leaving Middlesbrough. The 32-year-old joined Boro in January on a free transfer from Chinese side Tianjin TEDA.
Yet after their failure to gain promotion, Mikel is now considering offers from the Premier League. Among those interested are the newly promoted Blades and Norwich City.
The Nigeria international wants to decide on his next club before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament starts on June 21.
History of Mikel
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Mikel is best known in English football for the ten-and-a-half years he spent at Stamford Bridge. During that time he played 372 times for the Blues. He also won two league titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and Champions League.
That also included making 249 Premier League appearances. Adding someone with so much experience to their ranks could be a massive boost for the Blades.
Only four of their current squad have ever played in the top flight of English football. Only two of those – Chris Basham and Richard Stearman – have played more than ten games in the division.
The others are Billy Sharp and Enda Stevens, who have made nine appearances between them. Signing a player who not only knows the league well, but has won it on two occasions, would potentially be a massive coup.
Plus, the Blades are likely to be looking for recruitment in central midfield. John Fleck and Oliver Norwood impressed in the position in 2018/19, but backup is needed.
With Paul Coutts having been released, John Lundstram is the only natural alternative.
Also, with Mikel being more defensively minded, the Nigerian could help shield a defence that will be stepping up to the Premier League.