If the latest rumors have any substance, Chelsea seems to be ever more positive that Didier Drogba, the Ivorian striker, will be returning to Stamford Bridge this season.

However, Drogba, a free agent now after he quit Galatasaray, is only being offered one year's playing contract, without any coaching responsibilities. Drogba is eager to play an active role in coaching the side, as he is aware that his days as a footballer are numbered and he desires to learn as much possible from his guru Jose Mourinho.

Also, Drogba wants to decline offers from Juventus as well as other Europeans teams, as he desires to make an emotional comeback to the Blues. In fact, he left the Blues following his penalty shot that helped Roberto Di Matteo's men to clinch to Champions League in 2012.

The 36-year-old striker will, nevertheless, will require setting for a role in the striking rotation, as the Blues have just signed Diego Costa and Fernando Torres for €32 million.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is making a last-grasp endeavor to takeover the deal, as their Spanish striker Alvaro is suffering from a broken foot and is unsure about this season.

In spite of this, Chelsea is confident that Drogba will sign the contract with them to return to the team after almost two seasons. At the same time, Chelsea has made it clear to the senior striker that they would require his services for a short-term (one year), and have left the option of a coaching role for discussions in the future.

Another report says that Chelsea have asserted that the team was never actually interested in bringing back former midfilder Tago Mendes to the team. In fact, after leaving Atletico Madrid last season, Mendes was virtually in limbo and there were rumors that he would return to Samford Bridge, nine years after he left the club, where he had played for only one season. He has finally signed in favor of Atletico again early this week, putting an end to these rumors.