Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu has confirmed interest in Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Nazifoglu stated that Mikel is a quality player and despite being interested the Nigerian international is not the Lions first choice target.

“Mikel is a quality player and we have been interested but he is not our priority either, we have other players that are being targeted,” he was quoted as saying by Turkish-football.

The sporting director only recently revealed that the Istanbul giants were close to signing Lucas Leiva until the Reds pulled out of the deal at the last minute.

Galatasaray are in the race for a defensive midfielder and have also been linked with Newcastle United ace Cheikh Tiote.

Mynet recently reported that the Lions are planning to forward a £2.58 million offer for Mikel on a three-year deal.

Chelsea could end up losing Mikel on a free transfer next season if they decide to keep him on at the club as he has just a year remaining on his current deal.

Mikel has 10 years experience playing for Chelsea and is currently at the Olympics with the Nigerian national team.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTZDkJ0Rs2U