Galatasaray confirm Drogba negotiations

Jan 28, 2013 8:46:00 AM

The Cote d'Ivoire striker could be on his way to Istanbul after the Turkish outfit revealed they were in talks with the player over a possible move

Galatasaray assistant coach Hasan Sas has confirmed the club are in negotiations to sign Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua.

The Cote d'Ivoire striker has been linked with a host of Europe's biggest sides in recent months, with Juventus long-term admirers of the player.

But after completing the signing of Wesley Sneijder from Inter last week, the Istanbul club have now turned their attentions to recruiting another big name, as their January recruitment drive continues.

"Drogba is a world-class player. I know that our board is in negotiations. There should be some clarifications in one or two days, but what we know is that there are some positive unfoldings," Sas said following his side's 2-1 win over Besiktas.

On Monday, Galatasaray confirmed on their official website that negotiations with the striker's representatives over a winter transfer have commenced.

"Negotiations with Shanghai Shenhua attacker Didier Drogba's agents over a potential transfer to Galatasaray have started. Any developments will be communicated later on."

The Turkish champions have reportedly offered the veteran striker an 18-month contract worth €4 million per year, with an option for one additional season, while they are willing to pay a €4m signing fee.

Despite the developments, his Chinese club have given little indication as to whether the player will be moving. A spokesman said: "Drogba still has a contract with us. So he is still a Shanghai Shenhua player."

Drogba only moved to China last summer after calling time on his eight-year stay with Chelsea, but rumours have persisted that the player could make a swift return to Europe on either a temporary or permanent basis, with his current club's league season concluding two months ago.

In November, Fifa refused to allow the 34-year-old to make an immediate loan move away from Shenhua, though he could now leave the club on a permanent basis.

Galatasaray also signed Wesley Sneijder from Inter during the January transfer window, and the Dutchman made his debut during the 2-1 derby win over Besiktas on Sunday.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: Dortmund 1-2 Bayern
Goal.com rates the players on show as die Roten edge out their Bundesliga rivals to complete the double after a closely contested Champions League final at Wembley
Robben is finally Bayern's braveheart
The winger was the driving force behind the German outfit's triumph after years of playing second fiddle in the final
Pep has a lot to live up to after Bayern win
The Catalan coach was appointed in January with a view to getting the best out of the Bavarians' golden generation. But just four months on, they are already European champions
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.