Real's Drogba and Ivanovic move may break Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is attempting to weaken newly-crowned European champions Chelsea by moving for Didier Drogba and Branislav Ivanovic.

Drogba is having second thoughts of joining a Chinese club after his former mentor at Real renewed interest in the Ivory Coast striker.

The 34-year-old is wanted by the Spanish champions and talks have taken place between representatives of the two parties over a two-year contract, the Daily Mail (https://bit.ly/MZCqMo) reported exclusively.

The hero of Chelsea's Champions League triumph was brought to Stamford Bridge by Mourinho in 2004 and was on the Portuguese's wish-list last year, only for talks to falter over his transfer valuation.

Now that Mourinho has total control of transfers at the Bernabeu and Drogba is a free agent, the deal is back on.

Drogba has drawn interest from clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany and Russia, while a lucrative offer from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua was seemingly on the verge of being accepted.

However, in-fighting at the Chinese club, and talk of Argentine coach Sergio Batista replacing caretaker player-boss Nicolas Anelka, are giving Drogba second thoughts, the report added.

Drogba could be lured with the prospect of another European adventure since Mourinho wants to deliver the Champions League for Real.

However, Ivanovic is in a quandary despite overtures by Mourinho.

The Chelsea defender insists he is happy at the club but is aware The Special One is tracking him, according to The Sun.
 
Ivanovic, banned for the Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich, admitted: “I know what is being said about my future.
 
“I know there is an interest from Madrid, who are following me. But it’s not the time to talk about it now.
 
“I’m am very happy with Chelsea. I have just won the Champions League, a change is complicated. I am very happy in London.”

It was reported earlier that Real Madrid are ready to pay £15 million for the 27-year-old Serbian defender.

Chelsea have not ruled out doing a deal as long as the Spanish giants are prepared to meet their own £20m valuation, The Sun reported.

The FA Cup champions are looking to profit from the sale of a  player they signed from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2008.

With Mourinho seeking to reinforce his defensive capabilities, Ivanovic is considered a perfect fit because of his versatility, the report added.

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