Real Madrid are confident they will win the battle for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

The Mirror says Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic has held secret meetings with the striker's representatives and is confident of pulling off a £15million-plus deal this summer.

Chelsea are privately resigned to losing Drogba whose relationship with the club soured after the departure of Jose Mourinho, and Avram Grant will not be able to persuade him to stay - even if they win a trophy.

Mijatovic has already sounded out Drogba's representatives and the Ivory Coast striker has reached a peace pact with Chelsea which will allow him to leave for £15m at the end of the season.

A Real Madrid source said: "Drogba has told Chelsea his decision and now they are already looking at new players for next season.

"But the two clubs have agreed not to say anything until mid-May."