Source: Eurosport
Blues ace Mikel set for new contract
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is set to agree a new contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer, according to the player's agent.The 22-year-old has been a regular this season, with sources in Italy suggesting Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho was ready to make him the successor to Patrick Vieira after working with the Nigeria international while at Chelsea.But Mikel's agent, John Shittu, told the Evening Standard: "We are now discussing the renewal of the contract."There has been interest from different clubs in Spain and Italy, not forgetting some big teams in England, but John will remain at Chelsea."For the time being his only concern is to ensure his position with the Blues and until he has done that he will go nowhere."Who will be Chelsea's manager over the summer appears uncertain, with AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti discussing his future at the San Siro at the end of the campaign.Guus Hiddink is in charge until the end of the season and his impact has been felt by Chelsea's players.Midfielder Frank Lampard said: "I have never seen someone approach it as simply as Hiddink does."He knows his stuff. He doesn't over-talk, he doesn't try to fill you with 100 tactics, he just says the important things. There has been no magic wand and there has been no huge difference. That is the beauty of him."Hiddink could rest some players for this weekend's clash against Fulham as he prepares for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.With the tie poised at 0-0, Lampard expects Chelsea to be more attacking at home.He said: "We did play quite a containing game in the first leg and at home we will obviously have a lot more of an attacking mind."I just think they have so many options on the ball that you can't come to Spain and open up against them on their own pitch."You have to be very disciplined in the roles and work very hard. You have to do a lot of selfless running, not particularly flashy running, and I think we've got our reward."Both teams can still win it from here. If they score at our place, it's difficult for us but we have to have confidence."[LNB]
