Saints missed out on Drogba

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most-sought after players in Europe after an impressive start to the season at home and abroad for Marseille.

Drogba attracted the interest of a host of clubs last season at Guingamp, but Marseille won the race for his signature to bring him to the Stade Velodrome.

The Ivory Coast international has proved to be a major success at Marseille, leading the goalscoring charts in the Champions League with four goals, including a hat-trick in the win over Partizan Belgrade.

His performances have seen a number of top clubs renew their interest in the skilful forward, but the player's agent Willie McKay admitted that a number of clubs missed out on a bargain when they failed to sign him from Guingamp.

"I advised eight clubs last summer to buy Drogba, but they did not take the chance to sign him," said McKay.

"He is a cross between Nicolas Anelka and Freddie Kanoute and he would be a major success in The Premiership.

"Southampton scouts Terry Cooper and Ray Clark told the club to buy him, but their valuation of the player and Guingamp's was different.

"Guingamp were looking in the region of £2.5 million for him, but Southampton were only willing to pay £1.5 million.

"Didier went to Marseille and proved himself on the highest stage and all of a sudden there are a number of clubs interested in him again.

"A number of clubs have watched him and have been impressed, but they would have no chance of signing him for any less than £10 million now when they could have got him a lot cheaper last season from Guingamp."

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe refused to comment on the matter.