Chelsea paid £16 million for the Nigeria international two years ago after one of the most protracted and controversial transfers in British football history.

But, although they want their money back, Chelsea are privately stressing they are not seeking to put the Norwegians out of business.

Officials from Lyn held talks with Chelsea in London earlier this week and at the same time as the Blues revealed details of their High Court action today, the Norwegian club disclosed their 'positive' discussions in a statement on their own official website.

Chelsea paid Manchester United £12million for Mikel with Lyn receiving the remainder of the transfer fee.

United's involvement in the saga stemmed from their original signing of the midfielder but Chelsea are not seeking to claim any cash back from their Premier League rivals or involve them in their High Court case.

However, it is almost certain that members of the Chelsea board would have notified United, as a matter of courtesy, of their intentions to issue the lawsuit.

That decision was sparked by Andersen's conviction in an Oslo court for making false accusations and fraud. He was given a one-year suspended sentence.

As a result of his conviction, Chelsea informed Lynn it was clear the deal was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation that the player had an employment contract with Lyn.

A statement from Chelsea confirmed their intentions: "Chelsea Football Club has issued a claim at the High Court in relation to the transfer of John Obi Mikel in June 2006.

"The claim is against FC Lyn Oslo and Morgan Andersen and follows the criminal conviction in Norway of Lyn's former chief executive officer Morgan Andersen.

"It is for the entire £16million fee paid by Chelsea for the player as it is now clear following Andersen's conviction that the transfer was based on the fraudulent misrepresentation that Mikel had an employment contract with Lyn.

"At the time of the transfer, Chelsea, Lyn and Manchester United agreed that the fees paid would be in final settlement of the transfer, any claims related to it and that no further action or comment regarding the transfer would be made.

"Chelsea has written to Lyn to make clear that because the transfer was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation, now proven by a court of law, the settlement previously agreed is not binding.

"Chelsea is in contact with Lyn and looks forward to working positively with them to resolve the claim promptly.

"Chelsea would like to make clear that this legal action is against Lyn and Morgan Andersen."

Although Chelsea are gunning for the return of the entire fee, the most likely result will be an out-of-court settlement given the positive discussions between the two clubs.

The High Court action is almost certain to be the last twist in a transfer saga that had two of the Premier League's top clubs at loggerheads.

A year before Chelsea won their fight to bring the Nigerian to Stamford Bridge, the youngster claimed to have signed a youth contract with Lyn.

But in April 2005, Manchester United insisted they had signed him on professional terms while Chelsea maintained they also had an interest in the player.

The fight for his signature sparked months of wrangling between all three clubs, FIFA, the Norwegian courts, and the player's agents.

At one point United called for FIFA to ban Chelsea from transfer dealings and exclude them from competitions if they were found guilty of wrongdoing over Mikel.

Chelsea dismissed United's claims of wrongdoing as being 'without foundation' and eventually, with Mikel insisting he wanted to join the Blues, the saga was settled in June 2006.

Meanwhile Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has lost £12billion on the Russian stock exchange, it was revealed today.

Abramovich saw his fortune dwindle as Russia's Micex Index went into freefall.

The value of two of his companies on the Moscow-based index, steel maker Evraz and mining company Highland Gold, left the Russian £11.9billion lighter in his pocket.