Barcelona are ready to swoop on Didier Drogba on a free transfer from Chelsea.
The Spanish giants want to offer Drogba, 34, a two-year deal worth up to £5 million a season to quit Chelsea and snub a move to China, Milan or the USA, The Sun reported in an exclusive.
Chelsea have also reportedly offered the Ivory Coast international a new two-year deal with owner Roman Abramovich keen to retain the striker who will be out of contract when the season ends.
Click to read Nasri insults Arsenal
But Drogba is set to quit the Blues after the Champions League final on Saturday.
Though a move to Shanghai FC could be far more lucrative, Drogba could be lured to Nou Camp at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi.
New Barca boss Tito Vilanova, who will succeed Pep Guardiola after the Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao next week, wants a world-class striker for David Villa who missed most of the season with a broken foot.
Click to read Yaya Toure puts Man Utd on alert
Click to read Last chance for Man Utd to buy Modric
Drogba fits the bill perfectly having enjoyed legendary status during his eight years at Stamford Bridge.
“What the team needs is an attacking player who has the presence and strength to trouble defenders," a Barcelona sources was quoted in The Sun.
Meanwhile, other reports suggested Chelsea could also lose unhappy David Luiz.
Click to read 'Heartbroken' Rooney to leave United?
Click to read Man Utd selling players than buying?
Very much a part of fallen manager Ander Villas-Boas’ plans at Chelsea, Luiz is not a sure-fire member of current manager Roberto Di Matteo’s squad, or possibly any future manager Chelsea owner Roman Ambramovich may bring in.
Click to read AVB lined up for Liverpool job
Click to read Liverpool face battle for Gerrard back-up
The Brazilian missed key matches due to injury.
Gary Cahill is increasingly being seen as the long-term defensive partner to Blues skipper John Terry.
Click to read Ferguson talks to Kagawa
There will be no shortage of takers for David Luiz if Chelsea do decide to sell, with Spanish and Italian clubs said to be more than interested in the Brazilian star.
Luiz falling out of favour with the Blues interim manager may also be a result of an interview he gave Brazilian TV last month.
The Sun in an exclusive revealed that the Brazilian centre back had said Andre Villas-Boas should have been given more time at Chelsea.
The Brazilian defender was close to AVB and enjoyed working for the former Porto boss.
Comments