Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing the services of Didier Drogba for a second time.

The Ivorian, who scored 157 goals during his previous eight-year spell with the West Londoners, is out of contract with Turkish outfit Galatasaray next month.

His status as a potential free agent has alerted Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has made no secret of his admiration for a centre-forward that he originally signed from Marseille back in 2004.

The report added that Mourinho would initially re-sign Drogba as a player but, at the age of 36, an invitation to join the Stamford Bridge coaching team may also be in the offing.

It is expected that an announcement over Drogba's future will be made after the World Cup.