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Maradona rules out big-money swoop for Drogba

Didier Drogba is approaching the end of his Chelsea contract © Getty Images

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Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has rejected reports that he is trying to lure Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Schalke veteran Raul to the United Arab Emirates.

Drogba, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and though he is thought to favour a stay at Stamford Bridge, the forward is attracting interest from several Chinese Super League clubs who are willing to spend big to land him.

Like the Ivory Coast star, Raul's current deal expires in the summer and the Real Madrid legend has been linked with a move to the Middle East or MLS.

But while Maradona confirmed he plans to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window, he insisted that Drogba and Raul would not be among the new arrivals at his UAE Pro-League outfit.

"When it comes to Raul, there is no truth in the stories," Maradona said. "Whoever comes in, it will depend on the price. Price is a major factor when evaluating our targets.

"Players like Drogba don't fit into that. We have a budget and we have to find a better way of dealing with that budget so we can be more competitive."

Maradona outlined his desire to sign a "centre-back, a forward who can play both right and left side, a strong winger and a striker" and the former Argentina boss is reportedly ready to offload Australian striker Richard Porta and Chile winger Edson Puch in order to free up some space for new foreign signings.

Exactly who those players will be remains to be seen, but Maradona joked: "The foreign players we would like are [Lionel] Messi, [Sergio] Aguero and Xavi, and if we get those, I'm sure we can find an Asian player to join them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.