Milan claim Drogba talks

Blues open to Drogba deal, but Shevchenko move blocked

Last updated: 8th June 2008

Didier Drogba Chelsea striker

Drogba: Could be on the move

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Milan claim they have been given the go-ahead by Chelsea to open talks with Didier Drogba over a possible move to the Rossoneri.

Drogba is believed to be one of Milan's top summer transfer targets as they look to improve on a disappointing campaign last term when they missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

The Ivory Coast international's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with the player admitting he is unsettled at Stamford Bridge.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani told Sky Sports News earlier this week that he had met with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon to discuss some matters.

Galliani claims Chelsea have given them the green light to begin discussions with Drogba, but have blocked any move to bring Andrei Shevchenko back to the San Siro.

"Chelsea have authorised us to open negotiations with Drogba," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Unfortunately, the response we feared came (for Shevchenko). Chelsea consider Andrei unsellable. This epilogue makes us very sad."

Galliani also revealed that Milan had started talks with Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o.

Eto'o could leave Barca this summer as the Catalan titans plan to rebuild their squad after a trophyless season last term.

However, Galliani claims Milan face competition from a number of English clubs to sign Cameroon international Eto'o.