French champions Lyon have confirmed an interest in Chelsea Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast forward suggested last week he is looking to leave Stamford Bridge before admitting he would not discuss his future again until the summer.

A return to French football could be an option for the former Marseille frontman after Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas expressed his admiration.

However, Aulas also acknowledged the sale of Florent Malouda to Chelsea in the summer has left Lyon short of an "asset" to persuade Drogba.

"Everything is possible in football," Aulas told Aujourd'hui en France. "Didier Drogba is an exceptional footballer who loves France.

"We had an asset [to make him come] here, Florent Malouda, who was playing for us. Unfortunately he has left for Chelsea. If we had to sign both of them, it is maybe beyond our means."

Meanwhile, Drogba says the appointment of Henk Ten Cate to the coaching staff at Chelsea will not influence his mindset.

Drogba said in The Times: "I have not had the time to talk to him. He is here to achieve the objectives set down by the club.

"I have never heard the rumour about Guus Hiddink arriving in November as the general manager. I don't get hung up about such things. Whichever coach they bring in, it will change nothing."