‘He said he’d think about it’ – Valencia chief, Garcia Pitarch confirms talks with Mikel Obi

Valencia have held talks with Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel over a potential move.

Their sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has opened up on conversations between the club and the player around Christmas time.

Mikel has been stranded on the touchlines at Stamford Bridge and is yet to kick a ball in anger under Antonio Conte.

His contract is up in the summer and he has plenty of offers from China and Europe.

And Valencia have confirmed they are one of those options.

Pitarch told Spanish paper Superdeporte: “When I discovered what the coach asked for, I agree or disagreed on the positions, but then I started to work and look for alternatives.

“In the case of Obi Mikel, I met him in London on Christmas day or the day before.

“I asked permission from Chelsea to meet with him and floated this possibility.

“He said he’d think about it and now it is a situation to assess.”