Didier Drogba return to Chelsea: Blues' legend steps up comeback talks while Branislav Ivanovic is forced to play upfront in friendly

Drogba has been sending texts to former teammates about his return

Didier Drogba and Jose Mourinho during the striker's first spell with the club (GETTY IMAGES)

Didier Drogba looks set for a spectacular return to Chelsea after talks intensified over the Ivorian legend’s comeback to the Premier League.

The 36-year-old is holding negotiations with Chelsea over a one year player-coach role at Stamford Bridge, music to the ears of every Blues fan.

Drogba has apparently been sending texts to his former teammates talking about his return to West London where he will be reunited with mentor and friend Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho signed Drogba in 2004 where the African striker forged a superb career scoring 100 league goals and winning three Premier League titles.

Drogba would be expert cover for new star signing Diego Costa but would also be a valuable asset off the pitch as well as on it.

While Chelsea have spent considerably so far this summer, they could need another centre-forward with both Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba leaving the club while Romelu Lukaku’s future is still uncertain.

Drogba would provide attacking thrust and power from the bench while his player-coach contract would work well with his wages being taken from the coaches budget appeasing the Financial Fair Play guidelines.

Chelsea’s need to bolster their striking options was confirmed in their second pre-season friendly over AFC Wimbledon, in which Branislav Ivanovic had to fill-in upfront.

The Blues needed three goals in the final 15 minutes to beat the League Two opposition 3-2 and had to play with full-back Ivanovic as their striker in the second half.

With these attacking worries and the joy that Drogba’s return would bring to the fans, the Ivorian’s comeback would seem welcome all round.