Didier Drogba will not be leaving
Chelsea have confirmed that boss Carlo
Ancelotti will be handed more transfer funds if the Italian
coach asks for them and also moved to quash rumours over Didier
Drogba's future.
Ancelotti has so far made just one major summer signing with the
acquisition of Yossi Benayoun
from Liverpool for £5 million, but chief executive, Ron Gourlay,
has confirmed that funds will be made available to Ancelotti.
''If Carlo wants to bring a player or two into the squad then we
will look at that,'' Gourlay told Sky Sports News. ''It
has to be the right player to fit into the squad and obviously at
the right price. If these things all come together then fine, we'll
strengthen the squad. But only if Carlo feels it's necessary.''
Meanwhile, Gourlay made it clear that striker Didier
Drogba, back at the club's training ground after groin surgery,
is not for sale despite interest from Manchester City.
''Didier will be a Chelsea player next year. Didier is under
contract,'' he said. ''The thing about this time of year is we
always get (this). For our players to be in the news - it's normal.
But Didier Drogba will be a Chelsea player next year.''
Meanwhile, Franco Di
Santo looks set to stay at the club - at least for the time
being - after a move away from the club fell through.
Feyenoord football chief Leo Beenhakker admitted their loan bid
for Di Santo was held up by financial constraints, saying: "Chelsea
requires a contribution towards the salary of Di Santo and we can
not afford that. I do have more irons in the fire, though no
guarantees. I'll keep searching for a striker."