Chelsea are optimistic that Didier Drogba will make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian has been offered a 12-month playing contract that, initially, does not include a coaching role.
Chelsea could offer the striker a coaching position at the end of the deal, and are open to discussions in the long term, but are yet to give Drogba any guarantees on the subject.
Drogba has had offers from Juventus and MLS clubs in the US, but has strong emotional ties to both Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho.
The 36-year-old marksman is a free agent after leaving Turkish club Galatasaray and has been on holiday, considering his options.
In 2012, Drogba was voted Chelsea's greatest-ever player by supporters for scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances for the club over eight years.
His last kick was the winning penalty in the Champions League final shootout against Bayern Munich.
Chelsea have already signed Diego Costa from Atlético Madrid this summer and have allowed Demba Ba to join Besiktas.
Mourinho wants Drogba for his influence in the dressing-room and on the training field, as much as for the contribution he can make on the pitch.
- Real Madrid have signed Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez from Monaco on a six-year contract.
The World Cup's Golden Boot winner with six goals was presented at the Bernabeu yesterday.
No details of the fee for Rodriguez were disclosed, but media reports said it was around à80-million.
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