Chelsea defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel has denied statements credited to him on Thursday, claiming he wants to join Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The electronic edition of British newspaper Independent is reporting that Mikel never granted the interview and the statements attributed to him are wide of the mark.

The 26 - year - old Nigeria star has been linked with a move to Galatasaray in the last few days.

Last December, Obi Mikel extended his contract with  Chelsea for an additional five seasons, meaning he will remain in London until 2017 except the Europa League champions decide to sell him.

Transfer market experts value the former Lyn Oslo star at around 23 million euros.