Montreal Impact are fighting to keep Didier Drogba at the club but admit they are struggling to keep him from returning to Chelsea.
The 37-year-old is wanted by new Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink to become part of his back-room staff.
Drogba still has one year left on his contract with MLS side Montreal Impact, who he joined after leaving Stamford Bridge in May.
Montreal's next game isn't until March 6 when the new MLS starts again, but the club aren't sure whether Drogba will be leading their attack.
A club statement, written via their official twitter account, read: "We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea FC. We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016.
"We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them. We are willing to accommodate him.
What does January hold for Chelsea?
"But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract. This situation is out of our control. We would like to thank our supporters for their understanding and their patience."
Hiddink confirmed once again yesterday that he wanted Drogba, who watched the match against Sunderland on Saturday alongside the Dutchman and owner Roman Abramovich.
He said: “The official process I don't know, but I spoke openly from the bottom of the heart that such impact players can be huge for the club. How it goes on now, it's others who have to deal with that. Not me."
