Middlesbrough have declined the chance to sign former Premier League winner John Obi Mikel.

The print edition of The Sun reported via the Evening Gazette that Tony Pulis has turned down the opportunity to snap up the 31-year-old who is currently on the books of Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA.

Mikel made his name at Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League, too.

During the Nigerian’s time in Asia his side have been in two successive relegation battles and with the Chinese FA cracking down on overpaid imports, now could be the time for Mikel to move back to England.

But having had his services offered o the Riverside outfit, it looks like he will not be joining the swelling midfield ranks at the Championship club who already have the likes of Adam Clayton, Jonny Howson, George Saville, Lewis Wing and Mo Besic as principal members of the first-team this season.

Not to mention the emergence of Marcus Tavernier and stalwarts Grant Leadbitter and Stewart Downing, too.

The report in The Sun reads: “Mikel wants a return to England but has missed out on a move to Middlesbrough. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel, 31, was at Boro after leaving China but boss Tony Pulis does not want him.”

The verdict

This is a very wise move from Pulis to turn down the Nigerian stalwart.

Boro have too many options in the middle of the pitch and adding another would be excessive and counterproductive.

Their needs lie elsewhere in attacking areas out wide and through the middle.

If Mikel were to sign it would be a stupid move, unnecessary signing that would further move the Boro fans to actively campaign for the removal of Pulis as their manager.

Focus transfer efforts elsewhere now this short-lived link has firmly been put to bed.