Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has dropped a bombshell on Nigeria international John Obi Mikel.
The Italian on Friday said that reopening contract talks with Mikel is not an agenda for the Blues at this time.
There are dark clouds over Mikel’s future at Chelsea as some fear the end may be here after a decade with the London club.
Virtually frozen out in this new dispensation, the body language of Conte suggests that the Super Eagles captain is closer to the exit door at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Conte said they are more concerned with the performance on the pitch and not contract talks with any player.
The 47-year-old told reporters: "Now? Have I spoken to him now? No. No. No but, I repeat, now it's important to be focused on the championship in this period.
"We are in November. It's important to be focused on the pitch. Then, we can focus other situations in time. It's normal in every squad, there are players who are towards the end of their contract, and they and the club together take a decision on their futures."
Mikel has made 368 appearances during his illustrious ten years at the West London club.