Chelsea's Didier Drogba 'too expensive for AC Milan January move'

Didier Drogba will not move from Chelsea to AC Milan in the January transfer window as the Ivory Coast international would be too costly.

A club insider at the Italian giants told Goal.com that the forward's hefty wage demands would prove to be too high to seal a transfer to the San Siro.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani is a well-known admirer of Drogba, thanks to his combative and powerful style, while Milan are also on the look-out for a replacement for Antonio Cassano who recently suffered an ischemic attack.

The Italians are believed to be trying to reduce the squad's overall salary costs and are looking for either free transfers or loan deals.

Didier Drogba could be too expensive for AC Milan

Maxi Lopez of Catania is one possible target for Massimilano Allegri's side, while Fabio Quagliarella from Juventus could also appear ahead of Drogba on Milan's shopping list.

The Ivorian has found chances limited at Stamford Bridge this season, with Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge and Nicholas Anelka all appearing to have the edge over him.

Drogba's current deal at Chelsea expires at the end of the season and he would be allowed to leave the Bridge at the end of the season on a free transfer if another one is not signed.