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Chelsea are considering a shock move for Rickie Lambert as a possible replacement for Didier Drogba.

The newly-crowned Champions had the 33-year-old Liverpool striker watched as he played the whole of Saturday’s 2-1 win over QPR.

The west Londoners are set to get an even closer look at Lambert next weekend as the Reds’ next game is at Stamford Bridge.

The former Southampton striker joins Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor on the Chelsea shortlist to replace 37-year-old Drogba - third choice behind Diego Costa and Loic Remy - who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Drogba has confirmed he wants to continue playing but boss Jose Mourinho has yet to confirm whether the Blues legend will stay.

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Last week the Special One suggested a final decision could be made by Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

A move for Lambert would leave the Liverpool striker with yet another tough decision to make.

He decided against a £5million deadline day switch from his boyhood club to Aston Villa - where he would have gained regular first-team football - earlier this year.

Rickie Lambert Liverpool record 33 Games played 3 Goals Statistics accurate as of 18 February 2015.

He is now, however, one of several Reds stars allowed to leave Anfield at the end of the season and is expected to go for considerably less when the transfer window reopens.

Crystal Palace and Hull, who also expressed an interest during January, could also return to offer him more regular action this summer.

Since opting to stay at Anfield in February, Lambert has made just one start and eight substitute appearances, most of which have come in the closing minutes.