Drogba joined Marseille from Guingamp for �4m

The French side rejected a bid, thought to be �17m, last month and insist the Ivory Coast star, 26, is not leaving.

Chairman Christophe Bouchet told French newspaper L'Equipe: "Didier will be in our team next season."

And a source close to the deal said: "Chelsea have offered �16.7m, which implies they have not upped their bid."

L'Equipe claims that the Blues turned to Drogba after being snubbed by AC Milan's Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Drogba scored 19 goals in the French league last season, and 11 in the Uefa Cup run, after joining from Guingamp.

He is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe, with Italian giants Juventus also thought to be keen on him.

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But Marseille are desperate to hold onto their prized asset as they look to mount another bid for the French title next season.

Deco seeks Porto exit

New Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has already brought in Portugal defender Paulo Ferreira from his former club Porto.

Ferreira could be joined by another star of Porto's Champions League-winning team, with midfielder Deco saying he needs a new challenge.