LONDON -- Antonio Conte says he has not spoken to John Obi Mikel about his future at Chelsea amid growing speculation that the Nigeria international is in his final season at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel has not featured in a single match day squad under Conte this season, and admitted in September that he is prepared to talk to interested clubs in January if Chelsea do not offer him an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of June.

A report on Friday in the London Evening Standard claimed that Chelsea are poised to tell Mikel that he will not be offered an extension, but Conte insists he is yet to address the issue with Mikel.

"Have I spoken to him now? No," Conte said of Mikel. "No, but I repeat, now it's important to be focused on the championship in this period. We are in November. It's important to be focused on the pitch. Then, we can focus on other situations in time.

"It's normal in every squad, there are players who are towards the end of their contract, and they and the club together take a decision on their futures. Mikel is working very well now. In the past he's sometimes had some injuries. But now he's working very hard, and I'm pleased with his work-rate."

Mikel has made 368 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since moving to Stamford Bridge from Lyn Oslo in June 2006, winning 10 major domestic and European trophies with the Blues.