POLICE have launched a probe into John Obi Mikel's transfer to Chelsea. Norweigan cops are investigating the midfielder's move from Lyn Oslo last year amid suspicions of contract forgery. The Nigerian international, 19, signed with the Premiership champions last June after suddenly announcing he would not join Manchester United as agreed. Mikel then reached a settlement with United and Lyn to allow him to move to Stamford Bridge.But Oslo police attorney Paal Hernaes said: "The case is about document forgery and that is serious." Hernaes confirmed police had questioned Mikel in London last week but insisted: "Mikel is just a witness in the case."
Ex-Lyn director Morgan Andersen has declined to be interrogated but Mikel's agent John Shittu agreed to be questioned. The police expect to complete their investigation by early April.
Mikel had been due to join United from Lyn in January 2006 but said he had been put under pressure to sign for the club. At the height of the dispute over his future, the Nigerian international went missing from Lyn for several weeks.
Chelsea finally reached a financial settlement under which they would pay United £12million and Lyn £4million. Chelsea said the payments were being made solely to allow Mikel to resume his career and that United would support them in any necessary work permit application.