John Obi Mikel has emerged as a name of interest as Stoke City weigh up a move for a holding midfielder.

The 33-year-old Nigeria international is currently a free agent after leaving Turkish club Trabzonspor in March.

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill is understood to be keen on bringing in a holding midfielder and Mikel could be a leading contender.

He was recently linked with a move to Brazilian side Botafogo but is reported to have fallen through.

West Bromwich Albion – newly promoted to the Premier League – have also been credited with an interest in the player.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won the Champions League, Europa League, the Premier League twice, the FA Cup three times and the League Cup once.

Following a spell in China, he returned to England to sign for Middlesbrough on a short-term deal in 2019, before making the move to Turkey.

Stoke were previously linked with Mikel back in 2015, when they were still in the top flight.