Drogba is out of contract at the end of the season and several from across Europe, and even a few from further afield, are believed to be monitoring developments.

AC Milan and rivals Inter are both reportedly keen on signing the 33-year-old, while ambitious Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala and Galatasaray are only taking an interest.

But Drogba is understood to be keen on staying at Stamford Bridge if possible but his agent, Thierno Seydi, said the forward could end up in Russia, Qatar or the United States.

“Milan came in for Didier (in January), but I said no straight away,” Seydi told the Daily Mirror. “Their offer, for a loan with an option to buy, did not interest us.

“He’s had the offer of a one-year extension from Chelsea, but that does not suit us. At his age, he has nothing left to prove as a player.

“Once you are well into your thirties, you have to go to a club where you can be certain you’ll be able to pay your bills.

“He will go where he is offered the most money.

“It could be the United States, Qatar, Russia or somewhere in Asia.

“He’ll go wherever he feels good from a financial point of view. Los Angeles Galaxy are a possibility.”

Drogba will be away for six weeks from January anyway, representing the Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup, meaning high-priced striker Fernando Torres could force his way back into the starting line-up.

But, when asked whether Torres will be the man to fill the void left by Drogba, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insisted he had other options: “We’re not worried about individual performances, so for us it’s not important. Romelu Lukaku will be available and, hopefully, Nicolas Anelka as well and Fernando and Sturridge.

“For sure, Fernando and the others will have their run in the future like they have before.”