Chinese team in hot pursuit of Chelsea's Drogba

BEIJING - Chinese soccer club Dalian Aerbin confirmed it has prepared a multi-million euro contract for Cote d'Ivoire and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

According to Li Ming, general manager of Aerbin, Drogba would be paid one million euro ($1.34 million) monthly. However, the club said it didn't have a clear reply from the 33-year-old, whose contract with Chelsea expires next summer.

"Money is not the problem," Li told Chinese media. "Drogba is still one of the most popular soccer stars in the world, though he will be 34 years old. We have talked a lot with Drogba's agent and promised to provide him with a three-year contract."