Drogba to Barca link remains

Reports linking Didier Drogba with a surprise move to Barcelona refuse to go away, with an agent claiming that he has been cleared to hold transfer talks.

Agent claims he will hold talks after Copa del Rey final

Reports linking Didier Drogba with a surprise move to Barcelona refuse to go away, with an agent claiming that he has been cleared to hold transfer talks. The noises coming out of Camp Nou suggest the 34-year-old Chelsea striker does not figure on their radar, with it their intention to look at younger options. It is claimed that no contact has been made with Drogba and that stories linking him with a summer switch to Catalunya are based purely on speculation. Rumours continues to circulate, though, and an agent by the name of Francois Gallardo claims he has been given permission by Drogba to speak with Barca. "I have a document signed by Drogba allowing me to start negotiations with Barca," he told Spanish TV.

Meeting

"After the Copa del Rey final I will meet with (Andoni) Zubizarreta and confirm the interest of Didier to play for this club. "Money won't be a problem because the player is more concerned about sporting issues." Reports in Spain claim sporting director Zubizarreta and incoming coach Tito Vilanova do not consider Drogba to be a top target. Barca were, however, initially reluctant to sign Henrik Larsson back in 2004 due to concerns over his age, but were delighted with the impact the Swedish striker made during his two years with the club.