Mikel, 28, who joined Chelsea in controversial circumstances from Norwegian club Lyn of Oslo in 2006, has played for the club for 10 years and his current contract ends next year. Traditionally, this is the time club's offer players new deals but with Mikel due to be 30 by the time his contracts ends, it appears that Chelsea are reluctant to resign him.
If Chelsea does not offer Mikel a new deal before the end of next season, he may be free to leave the club on a Bosman transfer. Over recent seasons, Mikel has been the subject of a lot of transfer talk but he has remained put at Stanford Bridge, despite not seeing regular action, especially under former manager Jose Mourinho.
However, since Guus Hiddink returned to Chelsea a few months ago, Mikel has been a regular starter and a key part of the new manager's plans. According to Mikel's agent, Chelsea have not offered the midfielder a contract despite the fact that the new lease of life he is enjoying under Hiddink has increased speculation to this effect.
Meanwhile, West Ham United striker Emmanuel Emenike scored two goals on his first full start for the club when his team beat Blackburn Rovers 5-1 in the FA Cup Round of 16. He showed his quality with an impressive brace and played his part in a superb display at Ewood Park.
Emenike said: “I could have had more but I want to thank God for today and for the victory. I also want to thank the management."
Another Nigerian international, Victor Moses was also on target in the game following his equaliser for West Ham in the 26th minute after Ben Marshall had put the homers in front six minutes earlier. Both players are on loan to West Ham, with Emenike being owned by Turkish club Fernebahce and Moses officially a Chelsea player.
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