Chelsea's Mikel Close To Drogba Reunion

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is confident of securing a move to Galatasaray after consulting Didier Drogba over the prospective move.

The Turkish champions have made an offer for the Nigerian international but must still agree a fee with the Blues, but the midfielder is confident the two clubs will soon come to an agreement.

"I'm very pleased with the Galatasaray offer," Mikel told Turkish newspaper Sabah, the Daily Mail report. "I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the move.

"I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it's now for me to leave.

"I'm still only 26 and it's great to receive an offer from a club playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition."

"Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won't make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won't be a problem.

"All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement."

The midfielder joined Chelsea after a controversial move from Norwegian club Oslo in 2006, despite at one point being destined for a move to Manchester United. The Nigerian was even pictured at a press conference in a United shirt before the protracted move was settled, arriving at Stamford Bridge as a 19-year-old.

During his seven years at the club, the once attacking minded Mikel has transformed his approach to the game, now recognised as a resolute defensive presence in midfield.

He started 19 Premier League games for the Blues last season, but with the club linked with moves for Dutch starlet Marco van Ginkel and persistent talk of a swoop for Real Madrid's Samir Khedira, that total could fall next season.

Mikel's former teammate Drogba made his move to the Turkish champions last January, arriving alongside Holland international Wesley Sneijder as the club underlined their intention to mount a serious challenge in Europe.