Nigeria coach says Chelsea's Mikel in talks to join Marseille

Chelsea outcast Mikel John Obi could be on the move in January after failing to feature in a match since manager Antonio Conte arrived last summer.

The midfielder is apparently in the "advanced" stages of negotiations to join Ligue 1 side Marseille, according to Nigeria's national team head coach Gernot Rohr.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Rohr revealed that Chelsea is prepared to let him become a free agent and leave on a free transfer.

"I saw Obi Mikel in London," Rohr told Europe 1, as translated by Liam Twomey of ESPN FC. "He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille. He will leave Chelsea for free, this is a serious option."

In November, Mikel said he would continue to train and remain prepared for a possible call-up to Chelsea's first team, but admitted he's willing to end his 10-year association with the west London side if an opportunity arises during the winter transfer window.