Ighalo wants Watford to sign Mikel

Watford striker Odion Ighalo has said he would like his club to sign John Mikel Obi from Chelsea.

Mikel’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season and there have been reports that Chelsea would be willing to sell the Nigerian midfielder for a modest fee in January.

“I would like it if Mikel joined me at Watford,” Ighalo is quoted by Nigerian media as saying.

“He is my captain at the national team. Apart from that he is a very good player – very talented.

“There is no team in the Premier League that will not want to have such a player.

“I am happy I have played with him so I will be very happy to have him in my team.”

Mikel, 29, was recalled during Guus Hiddink’s spell in interim charge last season and enjoyed a run in the Chelsea side.

But he has been overlooked since Antonio Conte took over as Blues boss and has not featured at all this season.