Chelsea boss Villas-Boas admits battle to convince Drogba over new deal

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is pushing to tie Didier Drogba to a new contract.

His deal runs out in the summer and next month he can talk to potential suitors about a free transfer, with Russian big-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala reportedly offering Drogba a staggering £10m a year.

Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, who have just landed Nicolas Anelka, are also known to be keen.

Drogba wants a two-year deal but Chelsea are only offering 12 months, with the decision understood to have been made by owner Roman Abramovich.

Villas-Boas said: “His level of performance has been outstanding.

“Of course, the club have to agree that players who perform are the players who should continue. It’s an ongoing talk with him and his people. We have to recall that he’s going to the African Nations Cup and won’t be back until February 12, so there’s a lot to decide.

“But his professionalism and integrity will never be in question.”