Marseille decide to sell Drogba

Marseille appear resigned to losing star striker Didier Drogba to Chelsea.

Chelsea had an initial offer for the Ivory Coast international turned down but now look set to land the player if Hernan Crespo decides to leave Stamford Bridge.

Argentinian forward Crespo is currently in discussions with AC Milan over a loan move which if he agrees would clear the way for the Blues to bring in Drogba.

Marseille sporting director Pape Diouf told the Daily Express: “Didier is a magnificent striker and it would have been great for us to keep him.

“But we took the decision in the interests of the club. If we sell him we can buy three international players for the same money.”

Drogba, who is under contract at Marseille until 2008, caught Chelsea’s eye with 19 goals in the French league last season and a further 11 in the UEFA Cup.