Turkish champions Galatasaray have ended their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, writes the online edition of influential Turkish newspaper Sabah.

The Istanbul giants had sent emissaries to England to discuss with the Chelsea hierarchy on the possibility of signing the Super Eagle in the summer transfer market.

But they were put off by Obi Mikel's valuation and have now put his case in the drawer.

Galatasaray  are desperately searching for an alternative to defensive midfielder Felipe Melo, who could be heading to Flamengo according to reports in Italy.