U-TURN: Chelsea midfielder now looks to be staying at Stamford Bridge!

According to reports, Fenerbache have withdrawn their interest in John Obi Mikel after refusing to meet Chelsea's £10.7m valuation, in addition to reported wages of £70,000 per week. As a result, it looks like he will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Much has been said of Mikel and his Chelsea future after the arrival of Nemanja Matic who has literally made the defensive midfield position his own, and Cesc Fabregas who as we know was excellent for us last season.

Mikel has found himself as backup to these two and for the most part, has found it difficult to get a regular start under Jose Mourinho. Whether that will change this season is yet to be seen but I cannot see the manager looking to change our approach to incorporate Mikel - unless it's to close games out, to keep a tight defensive unit.

I personally believe that defensively, he is one of the best we have but again it's his use of the ball going forward and the speed that he distributes the ball that has become the problem. You only have to look at Matic to see the marked difference!

I just wonder if this is the last we will hear of Mikel leaving the club? You would have to imagine that other clubs would have seen that he is available and could come in for him before transfer deadline day.

As for the player, being allowed to leave with a fee being quoted for you cannot be easy if now the deal has fallen through. It makes your position at the club uneasy and I guess with another season ahead of sitting on the bench, he would want to push a move through.

For now he remains at the club.

What do you think of Mikel? Is he a player we should be holding onto?