Didier Drogba

Drogba scores on debut for Phoenix Rising

Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Drogba joined Phoenix in the United Soccer League (USL) as a player and co-owner in April, having left MLS outfit Montreal Impact last year.

And the 39-year-old made an immediate impact on Saturday, opening his account in a 2-1 win over Whitecaps II.

Watching Drogba for the first time at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, fans were treated to a goal as the Premier League and Champions League winner broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time.

Reports Wanderers chasing Didier Drogba

Fox Sports reports the free agent is an ambitious target for the team who have Kerem Bulut and Brendon Santalab as its key marksmen.

Thirty-eight-year-old Drogba's profile as one of the top Premier League strikers of his generation in two stints with Chelsea would also likely fulfill requirements to receive assistance from the Football Federation Australia's marquee fund.

The Wanderers have been linked Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov in recent months as they consider forward options.

Drogba dismisses Villa rumours

Montreal Impact striker Montreal Impact Didier Drogba has laughed off reports linking him with a move to Aston Villa.

Social media went into overdrive when Villa owner Tony Xia claimed the Championship club were closing in on a "world class" striker.