Report: Chelsea, MLS negotiations over Drogba's release 'slow and tough'

Chelsea remains at an impasse with Major League Soccer but hopes it can successfully pry club legend Didier Drogba away from the Montreal Impact, reports Matt Law of The Telegraph.

Negotiations have so far been "slow and tough," according to Law, as the Blues look to hand Drogba a role as either an ambassador or backroom staff member amid their disastrous campaign. The Ivorian has a deal with the Impact until the end of the 2016 season, but MLS, as with all its players, holds the contract.

The Impact themselves seemed resigned to the fact Drogba could leave after playing just 14 matches last season, admitting in December the "situation is out of our control."

Unless Drogba announces his retirement, Chelsea will continue to face opposition from MLS officials, Law adds.

Interim manager Guus Hiddink, however, doesn't see Drogba returning as a player. Hiddink clearly values Drogba's experience and standing at Chelsea and its Cobham training ground, and would prefer him in a coaching role rather than a more diplomatic one.