Chelsea's move for Jack Rodwell has heaped pressure on John Obi Mikel.

The Independent says Chelsea have made their first significant move since their transfer embargo was suspended by making a preliminary £14m offer for the Everton teenager Rodwell, which has been rejected by the Merseyside club.

Ideally, Chelsea would like Rodwell to play in the holding midfield position ahead of Obi Mikel. If they are successful he could be signed in January and would provide crucial cover for Mikel and Michael Essien in that position when they play in the African Cup of Nations. However, the long-term plan would be that Rodwell would make the holding position his own.