According to Colin Udoh of British tabloid Telegraph, a line of communication has been opened between representatives of John Obi Mikel , Chelsea and Inter Milan regarding the transfer of the Nigeria international to Italy in the summer.

It is no longer a secret that Inter Milan want to bolster their ranks with the acquisition of the defensive midfielder after the World Cup.

And everything indicates that the 26 - year - old would be joining the Nerazzurri on loan if they fail to meet his transfer fee thought to be around 17 million euros.

John Obi Mikel, who has been at Chelsea for the past eight years, still has a contract until the summer of 2017.

He has managed only 9 starts this season, his fewest in an English Premier League campaign .