Marseille deny Drogba set for return to French club

Marseille have rubbished suggestions they could land former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba on loan.

Drogba's season with Shanghai Shenhua has ended and speculation is rife he could return to Europe.

Roberto Di Matteo recently claimed the Ivorian would be welcome back at Chelsea for training, while Marseille were reported to be keen on signing their former star.

Liverpool have been linked with Drogba as well but any switch would need special dispensation from FIFA.

The sport's governing body has previously sanctioned loan moves for Thierry Henry to Arsenal and David Beckham to AC Milan.

But in any case, it seems Marseille are not in the running for Drogba.

Sporting director Jose Anigo told Le Journal du Dimanche: "It seems impossible - this speculation is absurd."