Didier Drogba to Chelsea: Montreal Impact 'willing to accommodate' return

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Didier Drogba to Chelsea: Montreal Impact 'willing to accommodate' return

Drogba is under contract with MLS club next season

Didier Drogba's return to Chelsea has moved a step closer after current club Montral Impact said they were "willing to accommodate" a potential move.

The Ivorian, a club legend with the Blues, has been mooted for a coaching role under interim manager Guus Hiddink.

The 37-year-old was alongside Hiddink at Stamford Bridge, sitting alongside the Dutchman in Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's box.

However, the striker is still under contract with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, who expect him to return next year.

Drogba joined Montreal in July, at the end of his second spell with the Blues, and he has been successful in Canada with a haul of 11 goals from 11 appearances.

The 2016 MLS season begins in March but Chelsea are currently talking to Montreal, the Canadian club confirmed.

They Tweeted: "We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea FC. We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016.

"We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them. We are willing to accommodate him.

"But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract. This situation is out of our control.

"We would like to thank our supporters for their understanding and their patience."
Hiddink on Wednesday refused to be drawn on whether Drogba, who scored 104 Premier League goals for the London club, would join his backroom staff.

"I worked with him five or six years ago and I was delighted to have such a professional in the squad," the Dutchman said.

"He's a legend already in this club. The only thing is at the moment is that he's playing in Montreal.

"The official process I don't know but I spoke openly from the bottom of my heart that huge impact players can be key for the club.

"Other people have to deal with that, not me."