Source: Telegraph
Chelsea linked with Vagner Love as possible Didier Drogba replacement
Chelsea v JuventusKick-off: Wed Feb 25, 7.45pm; Stamford Bridge, LondonTV: Sky Sports Xtra, Sky Sports HD1Radio: BBC Radio London [LNB]Drogba's future remains in doubt with Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho supposedly eager to reunite himself with the Ivory Coast international. [LNB]And according to the Times[LNB], Chelsea are prepared to sell the striker on the premise they can recover the majority of the £24 million they paid for him five years ago and then use the money to bring Love to Stamford Bridge. [LNB]Before he was sacked, Luiz Felipe Scolari is said to have made Love a top priority with regard to summer signings and this has been backed by the new man in charge Guus Hiddink. [LNB]Despite saying he would not stay with Chelsea beyond the summer, it is widely expected that the Dutchman will advise Roman Abramovich on potential targets. [LNB]The news will come as a major blow to Everton who only this week said they were interested in the Brazilian striker. The Merseyside club were reportedly preparing an increased offer having failed to secure Love on loan last year. [LNB]Drogba has not enjoyed a particularly successful campaign having scored just one goal and been benched on numerous occasions by Scolari. However the 30-year-old only last weekend expressed his desire to stay at the club and recognised he would have to improve his form for this to happen. [LNB]With his contract expiring at the end of next season he said: "I am happy with everyone here and want to be a Chelsea player. I want people to stop talking about me going back to Marseille or going to Inter Milan. I want to stay until the end of my contract. I love the fans. [LNB]"I would stay if they offered me a new deal. I know that first I need to show I am still the Didier Drogba this club knows."[LNB]
