Juventus to sign Drogba?

Italian Serie A Champions Juventus are prepared to offer Ivorian striker Didier Drogba a return to Europe if they qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, if reports in the UK are to be believed.

Juve are currently third in Group E of Europe’s Premier Club competition with six points. Both leaders Shakhtar Donetsk and second-placed Chelsea have seven points apiece.

Drogba scored the equaliser minutes before the final whistle in normal time in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, and then scored the winning penalty during the penalty shootout at the Allianz Arena to give the Blues their first European title.

The 34-year-old Ivory Coast skipper spent nine years at Stamford Bridge, where he firmly endeared himself to the Chelsea faithful. He continued to contribute significantly even after the arrival of Fernando Torres in January 2011.

Drogba moved to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua last summer, shortly after lifting the European Cup. He has since joined fellow former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, and has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances.

But pay disputes in the Orient means Drogba could soon seek pastures anew. The opportunity to play in the Champions League once again alongside the competition’s elite could entice the Drog back to Europe.

Juventus already have three forwards in Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and the on-loan Nicklas Bendtner and are willing to offer the Ivorian a contract worth £4.5 million a year upto the year 2014.

Drogba is his nation’s top scorer, with 59 goals in 90 games.