Gill: Mikel Has Signed For Us

Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes the club "have the rights" to John Obi Mikel as confusion mounts over the player's destination.

The Reds announced an agreement with Mikel's club FC Lyn Oslo on 29 April. However, in an interview on Sky Sports, the widely-coveted midfielder claimed he was pressured into signing for United.

Rumours abounded on Thursday that the Nigerian youth international, in London with his agents, had arrived in England to open talks with Chelsea.

That news came as a surprise to David Gill, who has the paperwork to prove that United reached agreements with both Mikel and Lyn Oslo. Gill said: "I am very disappointed. We have written to another club (about Mikel) but they have not responded to our letters.

"We have shown due deference to them, explaining the situation," he told MUTV. 

"We have sent copies to the Premier League and we will see the outcome," Gill added.

The Reds were hoping to welcome Mikel to Old Trafford next January and were waiting on the player obtaining a work permit. Doubts have now been raised as to whether that will happen, but Gill remains adamant Mikel has signed for the club.

"We did a deal with the club [FC Lyn], quite properly, and following the rules," Gill continued.

"We also did a deal with John Obi. He has turned 18 and turned professional. But in order to play in the Premier League he needs a work permit.

"That is the process we have gone through. We have the rights to the player."

The interest and determination to capture John Obi Mikel's signature is an indication of how big a prospect the midfielder is. This only makes the player's comments about being