Mikel to move in January

John Obi Mikel will not join Manchester United until January, and says that he has received several threatening calls since signing for The Red Devils.

The young Nigerian was one of the most sort-after youngsters around Europe and looked to be leaving Lyn Oslo to join Chelsea.

However, the newly-crowned Premiership champions dragged their feet over the move and United nipped in to sign Mikel on a four-year deal.

Mikel seems set to play the rest of the Norwegian season, which has only just started, with Lyn before moving to Old Trafford in January.

The 18-year-old African says that he is delighted to be joining Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Mikel added that the club have assured him getting a work permit will not be a problem despite him not yet playing a full international for Nigeria.

"I will join Man United in January," confirmed Mikel to Kick Off.

"It's a dream come true for me.

"Yes, I don't have 75 percent of international games and that could affect my chances of getting a work permit but the club officials have assured me they will sort that out when the time comes."

Meanwhile, Mikel's move to Manchester does not seem to have gone down well in some quarters, with the teenager admitting that receiving several threats has affected him.

"I have received messages and phone calls with threats from both Nigeria and England. I feel afraid." Mikel told Aftenposten.