Sir Alex Ferguson has abandoned plans to fly to Norway amid further confusion over Jon Obi Mikel's proposed move to
Manchester United.
The Scot was willing to sidestep his usual pre-match media briefings and jet into Oslo in an effort to sort out the dispute that has erupted since United announced Mikel's capture from Lyn Oslo a fortnight ago.
The Red Devils boss has become increasingly concerned at contradictory statements being made on Mikel's behalf about his willingness to move to
Old Trafford in preference to
Chelsea, who also believe they have signed the promising 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder.
But, after learning Mikel was no longer in Norway, Ferguson has opted not to make the trip and risk embarrassment.
Lyn Oslo officials insist the deal with United is watertight but Mikel failed to turn up for training as planned on Thursday morning and is now believed to be en route to London in the company of agents Jerome Anderson and John Shittu.
The situation has so concerned the Oslo club they have contacted the Norwegian police and the Norwegian Football Association.
"We do not know where Jon is," Lyn's sporting director Morgan Anderson told skysports
"He has been taken away by agents who told us they were working for
Chelsea, although
Chelsea have not confirmed that with us.
"
Manchester United know we have written to
Chelsea about this whole saga but we know there is nothing wrong on our part. Everything done is rock solid and legal.
"We have always got on well with
Chelsea. They made us an offer for Jon, but it was way off the mark and they only wanted to use middle men all the time.
Despite Lyn's assertions, the fact that Mikel is probably on his way to London is worrying news for Fergie. This is the latest twist in a transfer saga that remains as mysterious as ever.
