• City keen on signing Chelsea player, says striker's agent • 'At his age I can no longer hide the financial aspect'

This article is more than 10 years old

This article is more than 10 years old

Manchester City are trying to sign Didier Drogba from Chelsea, according to the Ivory Coast striker's agent.

"Today he's at Chelsea. Maybe there will be surprises before August 31," Thierno Seydi was quoted by the Sun as telling Radio Monte Carlo. "I haven't spoken to just anybody. The only contact I've had directly was with City."

Roberto Mancini, the City manager, wants a striker and has run into difficulties with Wolfsburg over the valuation of Edin Dzeko.

Seydi added of the 32-year-old Drogba: "At his age I can no longer hide the financial aspect. The club that want Didier will have to meet the price."

Chelsea's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, indicated last weekend that Drogba would be staying at the club.