Drogba agent says player could move to Italy

Didier Drogba trains at a soccer practice session at the home of L.A. Galaxy, The Home Depot Center, at Carson in California, July 16, 2007.

ROME (Reuters) - Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could move to either AC Milan or Juventus in the January transfer window, according to his agent Carlos Arino Bajo.

In an interview with the Italian website tuttomercatoweb.com, Bajo said Drogba had been in contact with both Serie A clubs over a potential transfer after only six months with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

"I think there is a good chance that he might come to Italy now," Bajo said. "There is genuine interest from Juventus, AC Milan and Didier himself regarding the transfer.

"There has been contact with Milan and Juventus to understand the contract situation with the Chinese and we will have further contact and meetings with them both next week.

"He would love to compete in one of the world's best leagues like the Italian Serie A."

However Juventus coach Antonio Conte said on Saturday he knew nothing about a possible transfer by the 34-year-old Ivory Coast captain.

"I keep reading about Drogba but the club have never proposed him to me or vice versa," he said at Juve's pre-match news conference on Saturday ahead of their clash with Sampdoria (1500 GMT).

"There are economic issues that need to be taken into account. Any transfers must be smart and low cost."

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri said club president Silvio Berlusconi's policy was to work with young players.

"I believe that signing Drogba isn't in line with what he has said," Allegri told a news conference.

(Reporting by Terry Daley; Editing by John Mehaffey)