POLICE have launched a probe into John Obi Mikel's transfer
to Chelsea. Norweigan cops are investigating the midfielder's move
from Lyn Oslo last year amid suspicions of contract forgery. The
Nigerian international, 19, signed with the Premiership champions
last June after suddenly announcing he would not join Manchester
United as agreed. Mikel then reached a settlement with United and
Lyn to allow him to move to Stamford Bridge.
But Oslo police attorney Paal Hernaes said: "The case is about
document forgery and that is serious." Hernaes confirmed police had
questioned Mikel in London last week but insisted: "Mikel is just a
witness in the case."
Ex-Lyn director Morgan Andersen has declined to be interrogated but
Mikel's agent John Shittu agreed to be questioned. The police
expect to complete their investigation by early April.
Mikel had been due to join United from Lyn in January 2006 but said
he had been put under pressure to sign for the club. At the height
of the dispute over his future, the Nigerian international went
missing from Lyn for several weeks.
Chelsea finally reached a financial settlement under which they
would pay United £12million and Lyn £4million. Chelsea said the
payments were being made solely to allow Mikel to resume his career
and that United would support them in any necessary work permit
application.