Mikel saga ends with Chelsea move

Chelsea FC are to sign Nigeria midfielder Jon Obi Mikel after reaching agreement with Manchester United FC and SFK Lyn Oslo.

Three-way deal
The English champions said the 19-year-old's registration would be transferred from Norwegian side Lyn as soon as possible, while United have "agreed to terminate their option agreement" that dates back to April 2005. Under the terms of the deal, Chelsea will pay €17.4m to United and €5.8m to Lyn, with half due now and the rest in 12 months.

Work permit
Chelsea said: "As a result of this settlement all claims in this matter, which Chelsea were never an official party to, are now withdrawn. The payments do not in any way imply the acceptance of any such claims and have been made solely so that Mikel can resume his career. United will support Chelsea in any work permit application if necessary."

Fifth new face
Mikel, who represented his country at this year's African Cup of Nations, will become the fifth new face at Stamford Bridge after the summer transfers of Germany midfielder Michael Ballack, Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou, Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko and Portuguese goalkeeper Hilário. Chelsea will be bidding for their third successive Premiership title in the 2006/07 season, which gets under way on 19 August.