The Daily Express says Milan last night faced an extraordinary backlash from their fans after opening talks to sign Drogba from under the noses of bitter rivals Inter and Jose Mourinho, whose appointment was confirmed yesterday.

Last night Milan fans besieged websites, saying they do not want Drogba. One said: "Milan have been a fair play team and we don't need a diver."

Mourinho, who also wants Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho, is expected to have a huge advantage in the race for the striker because Inter will be playing Champions League football next year, unlike AC.

But crucially, Chelsea are using Drogba as a lever to persuade Milan to let them have coach Carlo Ancelotti.