[dst]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12 October, 2006

Reports in England suggest that Milan are interested in Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, as their search for Andriy Shevchenko’s replacement continues.

The Rossoneri may exploit a FIFA loophole which could allow them to sign the Ivory Coast captain for as little as £4m, as players can buy their way out of their contracts three years after signing them.

Drogba would therefore only have to match the wages earned in the remaining time, which are believed to be approximately £4m over two seasons.

The Mirror newspaper claims that Milan would have no problem in bringing it into effect, despite few clubs exploiting it thus far.

However the Ivorian striker, who has netted eight goals for Chelsea – outclassing Shevchenko in the process – does not seem keen on moving to Italy.

"Great strikers have joined the club but I am still here to serve the team," said the 28-year-old, referring to Sheva’s £30m summer move.

Drogba was already linked with Milan in August, when it seemed that the swoop for Ricardo Oliveira was destined to fail, but in the end remained at the Stamford Bridge side.

The Ivory Coast captain moved to Chelsea from Marseille for £24m in the summer of 2004 and many thought he would be relegated to the sidelines after the arrival of the Ukrainian star.


Football Italia

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[han2503]

The best time to get him was apart of the Scheva transaction.

Theres no indication that he will leave, especially since he's the first forward on that team.

I still think that Crespo should have been the one coming here in part of the Sheva transfer, him and Gallas.

Roman Abramosh!t wanted Sheva so bad, he would have given up whatever we wanted in exchange plus the money, I don't see why Galliani was stupid enough to not ask for those 2, considering we where losing one of our top players and the state of our defence.

[jbryant1]

I still think that Crespo should have been the one coming here in part of the Sheva transfer, him and Gallas.

Roman Abramosh!t wanted Sheva so bad, he would have given up whatever we wanted in exchange plus the money, I don't see why Galliani was stupid enough to not ask for those 2, considering we where losing one of our top players and the state of our defence.

Yeah I agree either Drogba or Crespo and Gallas would have been great.

We all thought it was going to happen right. It seemed to be such an obvious transaction. Instead we got cash which we don't need.

For some reason I really think they thought that they were going to be able to buy Henry or Ronaldinho. Great strategy.

This post has been edited by jbryant1: Nov 6 2006, 11:07 AM