El Mundo Deportivo says Barca chiefs Joan Laporta and Txiki Begiristain are waiting in the wings should any sign arrive that Drogba is prepared to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Indeed, it's been revealed Drogba's name was discussed at board level earlier this season in the middle of Samuel Eto'o big blow-up with coach Frank Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Barca directors actively discussed replacing Eto'o with the reigning African Player of the Year.

Drogba said: "Spain and Italy attract me a lot and, although I am a long way from saying farewell to Chelsea, you never know what can happen."