Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba will be staying at Marseille

The news was announced by the club's new general manager and former football agent Pape Diouf.

He then went on to say that neither Senegal's El Hadj Diouf nor Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o Fils would be joining the club.

Some reports had claimed that Drogba would be leaving Marseille at the end of the season.

Pape Diouf pointed out that Drogba has a four-year contract at the club

"Drogba's presence at Marseille is one of our priorities next season, even if keeping him is difficult, " the general manager said.

I hope to make him one of the best paid players in the French league Pape Diouf, General Manager of Marseille

Pape Diouf said he had a personal deal with Drogba.

"We have pact between us, he told me 'If you come to the club I'll stay' and I told him that if he stayed I would work on a new salary deal for him," he said.

"I hope to make him one of the best paid players in the French league."

Pape Diouf also added that the situation could change and that "no single player is untransferable."

"If a club like Chelsea were to offer enough money so that I can buy a team and a half and so that the player involved can double or triple his salary, I'd have to think about it," he said.

"I'd also take into account the interests of the club and of that player."

Meanwhile Drogba, doubtful for the UEFA Cup final against Valencia next week with a hip injury, is improving fast, coach Jose Anigo said.

"The recovery is on its way, the injury is still there but it's doing better and better," he said .

"My only wish is for Didier to play in the final, to do without him would be tragic," he added.