Last-minute talks as Drogba on verge of exit

Chelsea were last night planning 11th-hour talks with Didier Drogba in an attempt to reach an agreement on extending his contract at the end of a day where the Ivorian was quoted as saying he’s leaving, remarks the striker’s representatives later claimed he didn’t make.

The club refused to bow to the 34-year-old’s demands for a new two-year deal earlier this season.

Reports yesterday claimed that even if a compromise was to be reached, the Blues may have to pay Shanghai compensation after he agreed to join the Chinese side on a wage said to be £250,000 a week.