…sounds like something from the Godfather, not a football transfer dispute.
The London Evening Standard report:
‘The incredible saga of teenage sensation Jon Obi Mikel's move to Manchester United took an intriguing new twist today when it emerged that the Nigerian wanted to join Chelsea. United announced the 18-year-old's £4million signing from Lyn Oslo last month but the player no longer wants to move to Old Trafford because of unhappiness at the way his transfer has been handled.
‘Mikel has spent the last few days under armed guard in Oslo after receiving death threats from Nigeria and England but the situation descended into farce last night when the police were sent after him by his own club. After watching a cup match between Lyn and Klemetstrud, Mikel drove off in an unauthorised car with his agent, John Shittu, but were followed by police and ended up hiding in nearby woods.
‘Mikel said: "I don't want to play for Manchester United anymore. I'm not satisfied with the way Lyn have handled this case and I'm angry that they sent the police after me. I find this very degrading."
‘John Shittu added: "Jon Obi is angry now. We're angry at Lyn because the boy has just had his 18th birthday and has become a punchbag. It's turned into a circus with everyone following us every step of the way. Jon has taken everything personally and how can he play his best football in these circumstances?"
The BBC report that Fergie is on his way to Norway to sort things out, but Norweigen TV has said that Mikel is on a flight to London. So who knows what is going on?
‘Sir Alex Ferguson has flown out to Norway in an attempt to sort out the John Obi Mikel transfer. Manchester United thought they had snatched the 18-year-old Nigerian from Chelsea's grasp when they announced his signing almost a fortnight ago.
‘It has been confirmed that Mikel failed to turn up for training in Norway, amid further rumour that he could be heading for London and a summit meeting with his prospective employers. If that proves to be the case, Ferguson faces acute embarrassment when he lands in the Norwegian capital.
‘Ferguson has cancelled scheduled pre-match media engagements for Sunday's clash with Southampton to make the trip to Scandinavia, accompanied by coach Jimmy Ryan.’