Gourlay predicts Drogba stay

Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay does not believe striker Didier Drogba will be exiting Stamford Bridge in the near future, describing the Ivorian as a 'mainstay' of the team.

There has been persistent speculation the 33-year-old could be on his way out of the club following the Blues' £50million recruitment of Fernando Torres in the January transfer window.

The Ivory Coast international, a £24million arrival at Stamford Bridge from Marseille in 2004, has been linked to a number of clubs, most recently Spurs as a makeweight in a possible swoop for playmaker Luka Modric.

But Gourlay believes the striker still has a future at the club, despite no manager being in place following Carlo Ancelotti's departure last month.

"Didier is very much a mainstay of the Chelsea team so yes, Didier will be here with us in a few weeks' time," he said.

Competing

Gourlay is also backing the Blues to bounce back next term after finishing last season without silverware.

He added: "Our target is very much to be back competing. Last year was a difficult year, of course.

"However, that's history now. We will move on. We expect to be competing for all the major trophies next season.

"Let's not get too despondent. I'm sure a club like ours will bounce back very, very strongly this coming season."