Chelsea and Ivory Coast international striker Didier Drogba is reportedly close to reaching a deal with MLS club Chicago Fire, according to Goal.com.

"Didier Drogba is in talks with Major League Soccer over a move which could see him join Chicago Fire and a decision could be made this weekend, Goal understands. The Fire have been identified as the MLS team most likely to secure the services of the Ivorian striker - a player MLS tried unsuccessfully to sign three years ago."

Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

Drogba, who already spurned a lucrative MLS offer to play for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in 2012, is expected to announce his decision on the present MLS offer this coming week. According to reports, the Fire's standing offer allows Drogba to pocket $2.6 million (€2.4m) per season.

Sources close to situation indicated the Fire is one of several options for Drogba, who is fielding interest from other ballclubs, including an emerging football club in Qatar.

The 37-year old Drogba is coming off a successful stint with Chelsea last season after capturing his fourth Premier League title with the club. Although he played sparingly under manager Jose Mourinho, the legendary Blues striker delivered the goods when needed nevertheless, recording four goals in 28 appearances.

Meanwhile, Brazilian playmaker Oscar squashed speculations about a potential move to Juventus, stressing there's no reason why he would leave the Blues for another team.

"I know there has been a lot of talk about Juventus, but I am very, very happy at Chelsea," Oscar said in an interview with The Guardian.

"Last year I signed a new contract and I want to stay a long time at Chelsea. I have never been unsettled by what was being said."

Oscar is entering his fourth season with Chelsea, having played for 151 matches. He recorded 12 goals and nine assists in his first season at Stamford Bridge and followed it up with a solid 11-goal, six-assist haul in the second season.

However, the Brazilian stepped back a bit with regards to his development last season as he struggled to mesh up with compatriot Willian as he just came up with six goals in all Premier League matches.

TagsIvory Coast, Football Transfer Rumors, Chelsea transfer rumors, Didier Drogba, Oscar