Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has confirmed that the Serie A club have made enquiries about the availability of Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba.

The Bianconeri have already made an approach to sign Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente on a Bosman free transfer in the summer, but with Arsenal loanee Nicklas Bendtner sidelined through injury, the Italian champions are eager to bolster their options.

Marotta told an Italian TV programme: “Drogba? We are always making enquiries and we have made one for him. We have asked about his availability and after that we will look at the financial aspects and talk to the coach.”

Juve boss Antonio Conte had previously ruled out any approach for the former Chelsea striker, but recruitment is overseen by Marotta, with Drogba’s agent recently revealing that his client has an option to end his two-and-a-half year contract in China.