The Indie:
Manchester United, who thought they had secured the midfielder in 2005, accepted a £12m settlement to pave the way for the 19-year-old Nigerian to become a Chelsea player after the rival clubs reached an agreement over his future.
The two Premiership sides, along with Mikel's Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, who received £4m, worked together to allow Mikel to join the champions after a bitter transfer dispute. Chelsea will pay half of both amounts now and half in 12 months' time.
"As a result of this settlement all claims in this matter, which Chelsea were never an official party to, are now withdrawn," read a statement issued by Chelsea and United. "The payments do not in any way imply the acceptance of any such claims and have been made solely so that Mikel can resume his career.
"United will support Chelsea in any work permit application if necessary. All parties have agreed there will be no further comment on the settlement or any of the allegations or claims."