Real Madrid are planning a January bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. The Daily Mail says Real need to bring in extra firepower during the January transfer window following Ruud van Nistelrooy's serious knee injury that will sideline him until at least the start of next season, with fears about his career in the long term.

Real have drawn up a list of replacements with Drogba and former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, surplus to requirements at Inter Milan, among the candidates.

Drogba has consistently hinted about leaving Stamford Bridge and a ban between three and six games for his finger gesture and throwing a coin back into the area where Burnley fans were seated during the Carling Cup tie this week is likely to leave the Ivory Coast international disillusioned.