Chelsea have spoken to Marseille about the possibility of signing Didier Drogba at the end of next season, but the UEFA Cup runners-up say the striker is not for sale.

Drogba impressed during Marseille’s run to the UEFA Cup final and he has been linked with a number of European clubs. However, Marseille have no plans to sell the Ivory Coast forward.

“They have contacted us about Drogba but have not made a precise bid,” confirmed Marseille chairman Christophe Bouchet.

“We met Chelsea and Juventus officials out of courtesy but a transfer is out ofÊthe question.

“We want to build a winning team around Didier.”