Didier Drogba transfer latest: Manchester City deny interest in ex-Chelsea striker

Premier League champions have been linked with a surprise move for Drogba

Didier Drogba on World Cup duty with Ivory Coast (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City have no interest in signing former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, Press Association Sport understands.

The Barclays Premier League champions have been linked with a surprise move for the veteran Ivory Coast striker after losing Alvaro Negredo for the start of the season.

Negredo is expected to be out for a few months with a broken metatarsal, leaving manager Manuel Pellegrini short of attacking options, but a move for Drogba is not being considered.

Drogba, 36, is available after leaving Galatasaray at the end of last season.

There have also been suggestions Drogba, who left Chelsea after winning the Champions League in 2012, could return to Stamford Bridge on a short-term deal.

City are yet to indicate whether they will look for attacking reinforcements.

Spanish striker Negredo was injured playing in City's pre-season friendly against Hearts last Friday.

Earlier in the week Negredo, 28, had attempted to quell speculation over his future by announcing that he was happy at City.

The former Sevilla player had been linked with a return to Spain following reports he was unsettled.

Negredo made an immediate impact following his £20million arrival at the Etihad Stadium last summer but the last of his 23 goals in the 2013-14 campaign came in January.

He was unable to rediscover his best form in the second half of the season after recovering from a shoulder injury and that slump cost him a place in the Spain World Cup squad.

"I will be back stronger than ever," Negredo wrote on Instagram of his latest setback. "I will return with a vengeance."

The make-up of City's forward line could be a cause for concern with Sergio Aguero having been hampered by muscle injuries throughout 2014. Stevan Jovetic also had an injury-hit first season at the club.

PA