Fergie still on Mikel trail

June 14, 2005

SIR Alex Ferguson broke off his summer holiday in a bid to secure the signing of Nigerian teenager Jon Obi Mikel, according to a report.

Mikel seemed to have signed for United last month, but then publicly stated a desire to join Chelsea claiming he had been "coerced" into joining the Reds.

The saga has seen two of the Premiership's powerhouses go head-to-head, and Ferguson is determined to land a player who he rates very highly.

To that end, Ferguson and his youth academy director Jim Ryan flew out to Emmen, in Holland, where Nigeria were playing Brazil in the World Youth Championships, according to The Guardian.

It is not known whether Ferguson managed to speak to Mikel, but the trip was unannounced for fear of alerting Chelsea.

Ferguson has recently been given hope in his quest for the player by Daniel Fletcher, the player's agent, who in a letter to the Premier League and Football Association said Mikel still would like to join the Reds.

What do you make of the latest developments? Have your say.

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Ronny, Germany (14/06/2005 at 10:57)

If he dont want to play for United he should go to Chelski and sit on the bench!

Simply Red, Very Old Trafford (14/06/2005 at 10:57)

In my opinion,we should go for Lukas Podolski from the german side Cologne.He is 19 year old,very physically and has got a wonderful technique.You can compare his shot to the one of Roon's.And for midfield, Haestad from Norway,he is 21 and did very well against Italy and Sweden.The goal against Sweden was unbelievable .GO FOR THEM FERGIE!!!!!!!

roar, norway (14/06/2005 at 10:59)

Well, as Mikel has been quoted saying to BBC, Deep down in my heart, I know for what club I want to play, but I'm not telling anyone now. Now I just want to play in the Youth WC for Nigeria. This is a different apporse than he has had before, when he's been quoted saying that he wants to play for Chelski. So I still has a hope that he will play in OUR red shirt No 21! BBC is usually a serious media, so I think we can trust them in quoting him right.

Thomas, Norway (14/06/2005 at 11:08)

In my opinion United should call off this deal. I dont believe Mikel is right for United. I have been following this case from Norway. Go for Heastad instead, he got is head right.

Ronny, Germany (14/06/2005 at 11:21)

Lukas Podolski will be a great Player. He was very godd in the second league in Germany.
But he must prove that he can play on international-level, so you cannot compare him to rooney.

roar, norway (14/06/2005 at 11:47)

Simply Red, Haestad didn't score against Sweden, and didn't have a great game against them. But he's played very good in Tippeligaen (the norwegian Premierleague), and played a fantastic game against Italy. He's a true red, and was quoted saying that he would play for free for UNITED! He's a great ballwinner/tackler, and doesn't give any opponent a blink of a second of rest. There are another midfielder in Norway that is comming through now, Grindheim of Vaalerenga. He's more of a playmaker than Haestad. But I think both of them would benefit from playing at least this year in Norway. Other norwegians to look out for is, Fredheim Holm 18yrs(Vaalerenga), Ciljan Skjelbreid 17yrs (Rosenborg), Jesper Mathiesen 17yrs (Start). This is players that we will hear more about in the nearest future. Ciljan Skelbreid has allready earned a place in the startinglineup for the Norwegian Champions Rosenborg!

kenny tham, singapore (14/06/2005 at 13:23)

dear sir alex, pls try to sign him if you you think he would become one of the best in the future.

I see, the future (14/06/2005 at 14:52)

Mikel will become the best midfielder in the world in the nearest future. He is a mix of Zidane and Ronaldinho. If Man U misses out on him, they will to regret it. Trust me, this guy will become the highest paid player, and a world player of the year at some point.

luyinda alex, kampala (14/06/2005 at 18:05)

i think we chelsea, are disgrace to football. they should have morals. i know he will play for the greatest club with a rich history.mikel my next star of the century.

Stian, Oslo (17/06/2005 at 09:01)

The problem regarding this matter is not Mikel but his agent John Shittu. Shittu has taken the four Nigerians away from ther club FC LYN. He deny them to return to Oslo, talk to the press, talk to Man.Utd. Take the licence from Shittu FIFA! Football dont need this kind of trash agents!

Declan, Dublin (17/06/2005 at 12:20)

Stien, is it Shittu who claims to be entitled to 30% of Mikel's wages? Anyone know if Fergies visit had any effect of this whole sorry saga?

The Believer, Gatley (17/06/2005 at 12:37)

Unfortunately African agents seem to be a bit like there corrupt goverments just looking at ways to rob their own people.

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