The Times says Drogba has three years left on a £100,000-a-week deal signed last season, but believes he is underpaid in relation to many of his team-mates, which partly explains his threats to leave the club.

Chelsea would like to keep Drogba, but are adamant they will not be held to ransom and have begun planning for his departure. The 30-year-old has spent many of his days off in recent months in Milan, where he owns a house, and is hoping that repeated interest from AC Milan will translate into a firm bid.