Drogba joined Marseille from Guingamp for �4m

Italian club Juventus are also chasing Drogba, but Blues owner Roman Abramovich was reportedly prepared to pay �17m for the striker.

"We met Chelsea and Juventus officials," said Marseille spokesman Christophe Bouchet.

"But a transfer is out of the question. We want to build a team around Didier."

Bouchet added: "Chelsea have contacted us about Didier but have not made a precise bid."

Chelsea bid for Peru star

Drogba scored 19 league goals in the 2003-04 season, but it was his performances in the Uefa Cup, where Marseilles reached the final, that thrust him into the spotlight.

The Ivory Coast international fired a brace past Newcastle to dump them out in the semi-finals.

While Drogba could stay in France, Porto playmaker Deco has hinted he could follow coach Jose Morinho to the Premiership.

Mourinho is expected to be the next Chelsea manager and Deco, who scored against Monaco in the Champions League final, admitted he is also ready to move on.

"The idea of playing in England excites me," said the 26-year-old.

"I know there are other offers and Bayern Munich want me. They're a great club and I'm flattered."