It has already been reported earlier in the season that Drogba was keen to leave the club following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho and that reality looks to be a step closer with news of further dressing room unrest in West London.

According to the News of the World, Drogba and Ballack clashed before Chelsea's recent victory over Arsenal and the paper also claims the striker has rowed with both Claude Makelele and goalkeeper Peter Cech before the Carling Cup defeat to Spurs in February.

Certainly his body language at times hasn%uFFFDt looked the best and in Saturday's victory over Manchester City he was to be seen sitting darkly on the bench, his features hidden by a hat and his ipod firmly plugged into his ears.