Chelsea step up their pursuit of Anelka as Drogba admits: I don't know when I'll be able to play again

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Anelka is understood to have an agreement with Bolton that he can leave in the January transfer window if a top-four club table a £10million offer.

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Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on the 28-year-old Frenchman but Chelsea, at home to Liverpool tonight in a Carling Cup quarter-final, are understood to be in pole position.

Anelka is eager to move to a bigger club to maximise his chances of making the France squad for Euro 2008.

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Wanted man: Anelka could join Chelsea in January

Chelsea manager Avram Grant is desperate for cover for nine-goal Drogba, who underwent a knee operation 11 days ago.

He was expected to return for at least one game with Chelsea before joining the Ivory Coast side for next month's African Nations Cup but that is now in doubt.

Drogba today revealed his knee complaint may be more serious than first thought and admitted; "I've no idea when I'll play again."

However, former Arsenal star Anelka will want an assurance if he joins Chelsea that he will not be left on the sidelines when Drogba does return, a situation that could also affect his chances of making Raymond Domenech's squad for Switzerland and Austria.

Sorely missed: Nine-goal Drogba

Meanwhile, Michael Ballack, thought to have banked up to £4.5 million in wages since he last kicked a ball for Chelsea on 22 April, will attempt to prove value for money when he returns at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The German midfielder has at last recovered from an ankle injury picked up at Newcastle.

Grant said: "Michael was a top player and I think he still is. He has that desire, a lot of passion to play again. More desire, maybe, than he did have.

"He knows how to score and make assists. I like this kind of player."