Drogba open to new deal

The 30-year-old's fortunes have improved dramatically under interim coach Guus Hiddink.

The Ivory Coast international was an outcast under former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari but the frontman has been revitalised since Hiddink agreed to take charge until the summer.

Drogba's current contract expires at the end of next season. There was widespread speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid in the January transfer window, but the player's advisor now insists his client is ready to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Thierno Seydi claims Drogba is prepared to reject a host of big-money offers from across Europe in order to remain with the Blues.

He believes the striker has rediscovered his form and passion for the club and is now ready to complete a remarkable u-turn by pledging his future to them.

And, to put off any potential pre-season suitors, he would like to open talks about a new deal as soon as possible - providing Chelsea are interested in keeping him.

"There are big opportunities at Chelsea," said Seydi. "He is happy, playing well and his return to form and scoring goals points to the fact he is enjoying his football.

"If Chelsea present a new proposition then we will study it and after that he will make a decision on his future.

"It was important for him to return to his best level, without bad injuries, and he has shown he's one of the best players in Europe.

"A lot of big clubs in Europe have asked about him but we will not make any decision until the end of the season."

Much will depend, though, on Chelsea's choice of a permanent manager to replace Hiddink, as the Dutchman insists he will not be staying at Stamford Bridge once the season has ended.

Hiddink is determined to lead Russia to the 2010 World Cup finals and Chelsea cannot afford to wait until the qualification period is over in November.

The Dutch coach has a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away from the post if they fail to reach the finals.

But Hiddink, currently back in Moscow with Russia's national team, said: "A lot of people are trying to persuade me to stay at Chelsea. But I won't change my decision. I'm leaving Chelsea in May."

Chelsea will almost certainly appoint a full-time successor in the summer with Gianfranco Zola and Carlos Ancelotti among the favourites.