Aston Villa still showing interest in John Obi Mikel

Middlesbrough midfielder John Obi Mikel could be on his way to Aston Villa after it was reported that he is still under their radar, BSNSports gathered. According to reports Aston Villa had tried to lure Mikel before he agreed to join Middlesbrough, hoping the presence of his former teammate at Chelsea, Nigerian-born striker, Tammy Abraham at Villa Park would convince him to make the move. However, with Villa now lying law at 13th of Championship log, while Mikel keeps churning out brilliant performances for Boro, the hunt appears on again for him to turn up in Birmingham. This is the news of the latest survey on Mikel’s huge impact so far at The Riverside, which notes that while Villa tried and failed to sign the 31-year-old star before he moved to Boro, The Villans are ruing their miss, especially with Dean Smith’s side now struggling for form at the back. The survey states in part: “Mikel has been quietly brilliant in his five Championship games so far, immediately establishing himself as a key player for Tony Pulis’s Boro side. “Villa continues to look far less than sum of their parts under former Brentford manager and, shockingly, having third worst defensive record in the division. “Mikel, who offers a sheet of steel in front of the backline with his experience and composure helping those behind him, could have solved their Achilles heel." “Fortunately for Aston Villa, they might soon have a second chance to bring the veteran Nigerian to the Midlands." “His short-term contract at Middlesbrough expires in July and he will soon be available on a free again." “While Mikel might be keen to stay in the North East, Aston Villa must try again. He could be their missing link.”