Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough are edging closer to completing the signing of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, according to reports from Sky Sports.

Reports had claimed that Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis had turned down the opportunity to sign the Nigerian international, with Crystal Palace also declaring an interest in the 31-year-old.

But reports from Sky have now surfaced that the Teesside club, after holding talks with the experienced midfielder, are edging closer to completing the signing, with a medical underway and personal terms agreed ahead of a short-term deal.

Mikel has been without a club since leaving Chinese club Tianjin Teda earlier this month, where he made 31 appearances for the club following his move from Chelsea 2017, but is now keen on a move back to England after his wife and children have stayed.

The midfielder would offer experience in abundance for Tony Pulis' men, having amassed over 360 career appearances, and winning nine major trophies with Chelsea.

Tony Pulis’ men will be relying on that experience and strength in midfield to help them push up the table. Boro currently sit fifth in the Sky Bet Championship table, three points clear of seventh place after going unbeaten in their last four league games.

The Verdict

This would be a massive coup for Boro.

Mikel is a very experienced midfielder, who still has a lot of quality despite playing over in China for the last couple of years.

He's a commanding, strong midfielder who could be a smart signing at the Riverside Stadium.

Thoughts? Let us know!