Conte reluctant to comment on Drogba and Verratti

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has refused to comment on whether Didier Drogba is likely to return in a coaching role or whether the Blues are keen to sign Marco Verratti.

Chelsea legend Drogba, who had two spells as a player at Stamford Bridge, was earmarked for a role at the club before deciding to sign for Montreal Impact last year.

With the 38-year-old leaving the Canadian club, there has been speculation that he could now go back to the Bridge.

However, asked if that is likely to happen, Conte said: “I don’t know and I don’t like to reply to questions that start with ‘if’.”

Meanwhile, Italian midfielder Verratti, 24, has been linked with a possible move from Paris St-Germain.

Verratti has been touted as a potential replacement for Oscar, who looks set to join Chinese club Shanghai SIPG.

“I don’t like to talk about different players,” said Conte.

“I think that would be a great lack of respect for the player, the club and my players. It is important to talk in the right place.”