According to The Sun, the former Chelsea midfielder was desperate to seal a move back to England from China as his wife and two young children remained in the United Kingdom following his move to Tianjin TEDA.
The publication also reported that Middlesbrough have come to Mikel’s rescue with the Nigerian midfielder ready to sign for the Championship side.
The 31-year-old who won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup including the Champions League and Europa League during his 11-year spell at Chelsea, is said to be undergoing a medical ahead of signing for Tony Pulis’ side as they push for promotion.
