Didier Drogba’s expected move to Italian giants Juventus seems to be off after CEO Beppe Marotta dismissed a move for the striker, according to Sky Sports.

Drogba seemed set for a move to Europe in January from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua but is set to join up with the Ivory Coast squad in South Africa for the African Cup of Nations at the end of next month.

The 34-year-old has been training with former club Chelsea in recent weeks and the English media immediately linked him with a move back to West London.

However, rumours quickly circulated that the Ivorian would be playing the rest of the season in Turin for the Italian champions.

Juventus CEO Marotta has revealed that the Italians have not made any contact with the striker and the fact that he is off to South Africa next month would put doubt on any permanent move to Turin.

"Drogba? No, we haven't made any contact," Marotta told Sky Italia.

"He would not be available anyway because of the African Cup of Nations.

"I don't know how people haven't realised this.

"We have scored a lot of goals this season, and the January transfer window does not always provide the best options."